Operation against illegal olive oil production

A large-scale operation by the Sofia Directorate of Interior (SDVR) and the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) has shut down an illegal olive oil production and bottling facility in the village of Zhiten.

According to Bistra Ivanova from the BFSA, 7 tons of olive oil were confiscated during the inspection as it lacked the mandatory markings and documents of origin.

Case details

  • Detained persons: Three people involved in the illegal activity were arrested during the operation.
  • Violations: The products were stored and bottled in unregulated conditions, which poses serious health risks to consumers.
  • Next steps: The BFSA is continuing the investigation to establish the origin of the raw materials and the distribution channels for the illegal goods.

Investigating authorities remind the public that consuming products without labels and safety certificates is hazardous to health and urge citizens to purchase food products only from authorized retail outlets.