Food safety agency takes additional measures to prevent African swine fever

In connection with the constant changes in the epidemiological situation in the European Union and the risk for the country of getting affected by African swine fever (ASF), the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) raises the level of measures it takes to prevent the disease.

From August 21, 2018, by an order of the BFSA Executive Director, strengthened control was introduced in:

1. Public catering establishments;

2. Sites for intermediate storage of animal by-products (ABP) and motor vehicles for the transport of ABP.

The inspections cover the manner of separating, identifying and tracing all animal waste (including catering waste) called animal by-products (ABP). The conditions of storage and the way of destruction of ABP in both types of sites are checked. It is mandatory to destroy all ABPs by disposing based on the methods referred to in Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 in rendering plants or in incineration and co-incineration plants registered with regional food safety directorates.

In the first week since the order has been in effect, 177 inspections were conducted, 69 recommendations have been issued to remedy any discrepancies found.