Health Law

Bulgarian Food Safety Agency Established

By Dan Flynn and Suzanna Schreck

The Bulgarian Cabinet has approved the establishment of a control body to coordinate food quality at all levels, modeled on the European Food Safety Authority, the government announced yesterday.

After the cabinet's regular meeting, Agriculture Minister Miroslav Naidenov announced the envisioned Food Safety Agency as well as an accompanying Risk Assessment Center. According to the report, control will be exercised at all levels of the food chain including the animals themselves, animal health care, conditions of farms, food processing and manufacturing, agricultural control, and plant, vegetable, and fruit control among others.

The statement said the aim is to improve food quality in Bulgaria and "to increase consumers' trust."

The agency will have controlling functions with its management appointed by the prime minister, reported The Sophia Echo. The Risk Assessment Center will be established within the Agency itself, with its head also appointed by the prime minister.

Once functioning, the Food Safety Agency will act as a tangible point between food producers and consumers in Bulgaria and the European Food Safety Authority, which supports European Union member states in effective risk management decisions to ensure the protection of European consumers' health.

The EFSA provides scientific advice and information on current and possible risks involving the food chain to EU member countries. The EFSA's work covers all matters with a direct or indirect impact on food safety. This includes animal welfare and health, plant protection and plant health and nutrition; the new Bulgarian Food Safety Agency will adhere to this model as well.

Full post as published by Food Safety News on June 10, 2010 (boomark / email).