site.btaUPDATED Food Safety Agency Eases Measures for Livestock Markets and Shows

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) eased the measures for livestock markets and shows, which it introduced at the end of last week, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food said.

The BFSA authorized the sale of certain foods of animal origin and allowed the holding of markets for all types of animals, with the exception of pigs and poultry. Trade in exotic birds is also not allowed.

The sale of thermally processed poultry products that can be consumed without further processing is permitted.

However, the ban on trade in certain foods in markets remains in force. Among the foods prohibited for purchase and sale are eggs and fresh poultry meat. 

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency will continue to exercise increased control of markets for compliance with the imposed measures. If violations are found, the BFSA inspectors will take administrative measures provided for in the national legislation.

The BFSA imposed the restrictive measures because of possible spread of animal diseases, including bird flu, African swine fever, sheep and goat pox, and other diseases.

The partial easing of farmers' market operations after a ban on the sale of honey, bee products, fish and fish products, milk, dairy products and most types of meat products was lifted is a step in the right direction, stated Bulgarian Farmers' Markets Association in a position sent to the media. They ban is still in place on the sale of eggs and poultry meat, they recalled.

On saturday in Ruse, Minister of Agriculture and Food Kiril Vatev stated that the reason for the closure of the farmers' markets was that in 20 days, seven outbreaks of avian influenza, or bird flu, had flared up in the country.