The claims that imported lamb, including from New Zealand, can be “pushed“ as Bulgarian, are absolutely false and are based on speculation for which no specific facts or evidence are provided, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) announced today. They emphasize that such assumptions mislead Bulgarian consumers and undermine the authority of the Agency as a responsible state body.
“We assure the public that BFSA strictly monitors the traceability of lamb - both Bulgarian and imported. In the presence of specific signals and evidence of possible misleading of consumers, the Agency immediately takes all necessary actions and measures within its powers”, stated the BFSA.
The Agency reminds that the requirement for the label to necessarily include the freezing date is only and only when the meat is offered in the store network in a frozen state. They assure that they strictly monitor compliance with European legislation regarding the placement of health and identification markings.
„It is not a violation to offer both Bulgarian and imported lamb meat in retail outlets, provided that the regulatory requirements for labeling and traceability are strictly observed, in order to ensure transparency and information for consumers”, emphasized the BFSA.