New European Working Group for Food Import Control: Safer Food for Consumers

The creation of a new European working group for enhanced control over food imports from third countries is a key step in the EU's food safety policy. The new measures provide for more audits in exporting countries, increased checks at border control points, and stricter monitoring of risky products.

The "For Accessible and Quality Food" Association assesses this step as strategically correct and timely. The European market has long been under pressure from cheap imports produced under different regulatory standards, which created a risk to consumer health and unfair competition.

Over the past year, Bulgarian experts, branch and civic organizations have consistently raised the issue of standard harmonization and enhanced import control. The topics of dual standards, traceability, and the control of risky goods were among the key ones in European discussions.

"This decision shows that Europe is starting to act preventively. Instead of reacting after a scandal, control is moved to the market entrance. For the Bulgarian consumer, this means safer food, and for producers - fairer competition," said Eng. Dr. Andrey Velchev, Chairman of the Management Board of the association.

Enhanced control over food imports means a lower risk of dangerous or contaminated products reaching the market, the restriction of goods with residues of prohibited substances, better traceability, and greater transparency, which directly strengthens the protection of public health and consumer confidence.

According to the organization, fair competition and a stable market are key. Cheap imports with lower standards can create market distortions and undermine confidence in the food system. "Strong control over imports is a policy for health, but also for economic security. This is a protection mechanism for the Bulgarian market and for the right of people to receive quality food," added Dr. Velchev.

"European citizens already benefit from the highest food safety standards in the world. These rules protect the health of people, the health of animals and their humane treatment, the health of plants and the environment. Regardless of whether the food comes from near or from around the world, the rule is the same: every product entering the Union must meet our standards, without exception," said Health Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi.

According to the association, stricter control is not a restriction of trade, but a guarantee of equal rules. European and Bulgarian producers comply with high safety and traceability standards, it is logical that the same requirements should apply to imports.

The association calls on Bulgarian institutions to actively apply the new European framework through enhanced laboratory control, publicity of results, and constant public awareness.

BTA recalls the EU's trade agreements with Mercosur and India.