Bulgaria said yesterday (29 May) it had begun analysing food products sold in the country to compare them with the same branded items on sale in western European countries, amid concerns over “double standards” in quality.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF) said the country’s food safety agency was conducting inspections for “comparative analysis of the quality of food produced by the same manufacturer offered in both our market and in different member states of the European Union”.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

MAFF’s move follows concerns raised earlier this year by other EU states the quality of branded food products differs in some central European countries. 

MAFF said it is checking a total 31 samples from items including meat and dairy products, chocolate and food for infants and young children bought in Germany and Austria “from three major retailers present in the market in Europe”.

The items selected for testing were determined by their “popularity and demand” among consumers, MAFF said.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now