site.btaHealth Minister Orders Urgent Inspections on Energy Powder Sales

Health Minister Galya Kondeva has ordered Regional Health Inspectorates to urgently investigate physical locations suspected of distributing the substance known as "energy sniff", the Health Ministry said on Thursday. Inspections will be carried out in cooperation with representatives from the Consumer Protection Commission.

Health Ministry experts conducted a comprehensive review of remote sales locations, compiled a list for subsequent inspections, and will share the relevant information with the appropriate regulatory authorities.

After identifying the origin of the products, the supply chain, and the raw materials and ingredients used, a comprehensive safety assessment for nasal use will be conducted. This evaluation will ascertain whether any measures, such as restrictions or bans, are necessary.

An official report on the specified products was filed to the Health Ministry on August 26. Consequently, expert opinions were solicited from the National Council on Narcotic Substances and the National Centre for Public Health and Analyses.

Following the August 26 report to the Health Ministry and the preceding public outcry, several government bodies, including the Health Ministry, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, and the Consumers Protection Commission have taken action. The issue garnered widespread attention after a Bulgarian pop-folk singer posted a viral video on social media promoting an energy powder intended for nasal inhalation, akin to cocaine.

The Council for Electronic Media (CEM) has received reports concerning the video promoting the energy powder. However, CEM does not have the jurisdiction to regulate content on social media platforms, CEM acting chair Gabriela Naplatanova said. She pointed out that other EU countries have established mechanisms to oversee the online activities of vloggers and influencers.