Inspectors seize over 2.7 tons of undocumented food products in Kardzhali

Inspectors from the Regional Food Safety Directorate seized over 2.7 tons of undocumented food products from a truck in Kardzhali. The operation was conducted following a request for assistance from the Kardzhali District Police. The shipment contained a wide variety of items that lacked the mandatory legal documentation required for transport and sale.

Details of the seizure

The total weight of the seized goods exceeded 2.7 tons. This quantity is divided into two specific categories based on the nature of the products. Inspectors identified 1,180.65 kg of animal-origin products and 1,523.45 kg of non-animal-origin products within the vehicle.

The inventory of the undocumented goods included several different food categories. The seized items consisted of cheese, honey, chicken meat, olives, vegetable sarmi, vegetable oils, nuts, sauces, and spices. These products were being transported without the necessary regulatory oversight required for food safety standards.

Regulatory violations and equipment failures

The inspection revealed multiple violations of food safety regulations. The truck used for transporting the goods was not registered under the Food Act. Furthermore, the vehicle lacked the required refrigeration and temperature control equipment necessary to maintain the safety and quality of the food items during transit.

The inspectors also identified several issues regarding product labeling and expiration dates. The shipment contained expired products that were no longer fit for consumption. Additionally, the items lacked mandatory identification labeling and the required information written in the Bulgarian language. These omissions prevent consumers from knowing the origin, ingredients, or safety status of the food.

Origin of the goods and next steps

The driver of the truck stated that the products originated from Turkey. However, the driver provided no supporting documentation to verify the origin or the legality of the shipment. The lack of paperwork meant the contents could not be verified against international or local trade standards.

The Regional Food Safety Directorate - Kardzhali inspectors issued an administrative violation report following the inspection. According to the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, the seized food is slated for destruction. This action ensures that the undocumented and potentially unsafe products do not enter the local food supply chain.

Glossary

• Bulgarian language — The Bulgarian language is a Slavic language that was the first Slavic language attested in writing. Its historical development involves a transition from a highly synthetic language to a fusional inflecting synthetic language with some analyticity.