Authorities have seized over 19 tonnes of plant protection products and fertilizers, along with more than 28,000 liters of liquids, from warehouses belonging to a large agricultural holding in Vardim, near Svishtov. The products were reportedly seized because they were banned for use in Bulgaria, lacked Bulgarian-language labeling, or had passed their expiration dates. Inspectors from the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) inspected three storage facilities.
The Agency reported that only one warehouse was officially registered for the wholesale trade of such goods, while the other two operated without proper regulation. In the licensed facility, inspectors discovered 17.5 tonnes and 510 liters of banned fertilizers lacking proper labeling, alongside 530 liters of expired fertilizers. This site also contained 49 tonnes of sugar derived from sugar beet, which bore Ukrainian labels.
The unregulated warehouses yielded further violations, including 1.875 tonnes and 10,380 liters of banned plant protection products without Bulgarian labeling, and 16,725 liters of expired materials. Additionally, 10 tonnes of sugar, stored in violation of safety standards, were seized. Authorities confirmed that expired pesticides and fertilizers will be destroyed, and all banned imported products are slated for further official inspection.
While a final disposition for the seized sugar has not been determined, it is expected not to enter the retail market. The BFSA inspections are part of Operation SILVER AXE, a coordinated effort by Europol and the European Anti-Fraud Office aimed at curbing the illegal import and distribution of unregistered agricultural chemicals across the EU. Several national agencies, including the National Police and National Customs Agency, have been notified of the discovered violations.
Topics: #tonnes #banned #fertilizers
It is concerning that banned pesticides are still being stored and circulated in the area.