Sofia, Bulgaria – In a recent crackdown on illegal food products, the Sofia-City Regional Directorate for Food Safety discovered a local grocery store on Vitosha Boulevard selling chewing gum and energy drinks containing hemp and cannabis flavors.
The products, found to exceed the legal limit of psychotropic substances, prompted swift action from food safety authorities.
Upon receiving a report, the Food Safety Directorate conducted a thorough inspection of the grocery store, uncovering items with ingredients that contained psychotropic effects above the permissible threshold of 0.2%.
Additionally, the packaging of these products featured images of hemp plants, a clear violation of current regulations.
The offending items were identified as being produced in the Czech Republic and distributed by a company based in Plovdiv.
As a direct consequence, the store owner was immediately ordered to cease the sale of these products, which were subsequently returned to the supplier.
Dr. Kamen Nikolov, representing the Food Control Directorate, emphasized the importance of consumer vigilance, particularly regarding the presence of cannabidiol (CBD) in food products.
“Consumers should always check labels for the abbreviation CBD,” Dr. Nikolov stated. “While CBD is banned in food products, it is permitted in cosmetics and other non-food items. Awareness is key to avoiding the consumption of potentially harmful substances.”
The discovery has also spurred further action against the supplier. The case has been referred to the Regional Directorate for Food Safety in Plovdiv for an in-depth investigation and appropriate measures.
This development highlights ongoing efforts by Bulgarian authorities to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect public health.
The use of CBD and other hemp-derived substances in food products has been a contentious issue globally, with varying regulations across different countries.
In Bulgaria, strict laws govern the inclusion of such substances in food and beverages, primarily due to their psychotropic properties. The legal threshold is set at 0.2% for psychotropic effects, beyond which products are considered illegal and unsafe for consumption.
The recent incident on Vitosha Boulevard serves as a reminder of the critical role played by regulatory bodies in maintaining food safety standards.
It also underscores the necessity for retailers to adhere to legal requirements and for consumers to remain informed about the products they purchase.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to rigorous monitoring and enforcement of food safety laws.
Regular inspections and prompt responses to violations are integral to safeguarding the health of the public and ensuring that only compliant products reach the market.
As the investigation progresses, it is expected that more stringent measures will be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The Food Safety Directorate continues to encourage the public to report any suspicious food products or activities to help maintain the integrity of the food supply chain.
In conclusion, the swift action taken by the Sofia-City Regional Directorate for Food Safety reflects a proactive approach to addressing food safety concerns and upholding legal standards.
The ongoing investigation into the supplier in Plovdiv will likely shed further light on the distribution network and ensure that such violations are appropriately addressed.