Centralised food safety agency for Bulgaria
The new agency will tackle food processing, farming conditions, agricultural/horticultural control and, animal health care and is said to be modeled on the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Reports claimed a workforce of 30 would take up roles in a new research unit and risk evaluation centre.
Cost cutting measure?
The authority will be drawn together from a merger of four existing institutions: the National Plant Protection Service, the National Veterinary Medical Service, the Food Safety Directorate of the Environment Ministry and the National Grain and Fodder Services. Domestic journalists claimed the consolidation could mean the loss of 400 state jobs.
The idea had been in the pipeline since last year but cuts in ministry budgets meant plans were delayed, reported Sofia news agency novinite.com.
EU advantages
A study published in the journal Food Policy last October detailed improvements in food quality standards in Balkan countries following EU membership.
The report found that the opening of trade routes and increased competition had led to improved quality in food industry practices in the region. The research noted that Bulgaria had performed well in exports of consumer-ready foods and horticultural products since entering the EU in 2007.
