A recent joint inspection by the Bulgarian Food Agency and the consumer protection association “For Affordable and Quality Food” has exposed a disturbing violation in the country’s dairy industry.
Cheese with a water content exceeding 75% is being sold in Bulgarian stores, sparking outrage among industry representatives. The inspection’s findings, which have been widely reported by the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), have underscored a growing demand for stricter regulations and increased transparency in the food sector.
Inspection Unveils Alarming Cheese Composition
The investigation, led by food safety experts, uncovered cheese priced at just 6.90 leva (3.50 euros) per kilogram—a suspiciously low price considering that the milk required to produce authentic cheese costs a minimum of 6 leva.
According to Vladislav Mihailov, a representative from the Association of Milk Processors, the composition of this cheese revealed an alarming level of dilution. Tests found that the cheese contained 75.5% water and 4.5% salt, suggesting that a staggering 80% of the product was made up of non-cheese ingredients.
“This is not cheese—it’s essentially water and salt masquerading as a dairy product,” Mihailov said. “Such products undermine the trust of consumers, damage the reputation of the industry, and deceive people into thinking they are purchasing real cheese when, in fact, they are getting a product that is largely adulterated.”
A Repeat Offender Remains Operational
While the discovery of substandard cheese is troubling enough, what has further intensified public outcry is the fact that the company responsible for producing this cheese has been previously sanctioned—twice, in fact.
According to Andrey Velchev, a leading figure at the “For Affordable and Quality Food” association, this enterprise had been shut down on two separate occasions, yet it has resumed operations each time.
“For us, this is not just a case of selling low-quality food,” Velchev said. “It’s about a company that continues to defy the system, which, despite its best efforts, has been unable to stop them. We were actively involved in their previous shutdowns, yet here they are, back in business, selling the same problematic products. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of our regulatory framework.”
The Food Agency, tasked with overseeing food safety and hygiene standards, expressed frustration over the legal and administrative obstacles that have allowed such repeat violations to continue.
Dr. Nikolov, a senior official at the agency, explained that their hands are tied when it comes to disclosing the names of manufacturers who repeatedly flout the law.
“We have closed them down, yet they keep operating,” Dr. Nikolov remarked. “We file the necessary documents with the prosecutor’s office, but after a month, we receive a response saying there is no evidence of a crime. It’s a vicious cycle, and we need the law to change in order to protect consumers and hold these offenders accountable.”
Legal Hurdles and Calls for Reform
The central issue hampering the authorities’ ability to act more decisively is the current regulatory framework, which restricts the disclosure of the identity of companies involved in food safety violations.
Industry leaders argue that this lack of transparency not only shields repeat offenders from public scrutiny but also hampers efforts to prevent further harm.
Under Bulgaria’s existing food safety laws, companies found to be violating quality standards can be fined or shut down temporarily.
However, without the ability to name these businesses publicly, consumers remain in the dark about which products to avoid, and competitors that adhere to strict food safety regulations suffer reputational damage by association.
“What we need is legal reform that will allow greater transparency in cases like this,” Mihailov argued. “Consumers have the right to know who is putting their health at risk.
Companies that play by the rules deserve to be recognized for their adherence to quality standards, and those that don’t should face public accountability. It’s the only way to restore trust in the industry.”
Calls for reform are not limited to transparency. Industry representatives and consumer advocates are pushing for stricter penalties for food manufacturers that repeatedly violate safety standards. Some have suggested that harsher punishments—such as permanent shutdowns for repeat offenders, larger fines, or criminal charges—are necessary to deter future violations.
“We’ve seen this company shut down before, and yet here they are, selling water and salt disguised as cheese once again,” Velchev said. “Stronger deterrents need to be put in place. If a company can break the rules, pay a small fine, and then start up again, what’s to stop others from doing the same?”
Consumer Trust at Risk
The scandal has not only raised questions about regulatory enforcement but has also dealt a blow to consumer confidence in Bulgarian dairy products. In a country where cheese is a staple in many households, the discovery that widely available cheese products contain such high levels of water and salt has shocked consumers.
“I always thought I was buying real Bulgarian cheese, but now I don’t know what to trust,” said Maria Ivanova, a shopper in Sofia. “If the authorities can’t stop this company from selling fake cheese, what else are we being misled about?”
Consumer protection groups are also concerned about the potential health risks associated with consuming products that do not meet the basic nutritional standards expected of dairy products. Excessive water content and high levels of salt can pose long-term health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
“The health implications of such products should not be underestimated,” warned nutritionist Dr. Petar Dimitrov. “If people are consuming what they believe to be a nutritious dairy product, but in reality, they are ingesting large amounts of water and salt, it could have serious consequences, especially for those on restricted diets or with health conditions that require careful monitoring of salt intake.”
A Turning Point for the Industry?
As the controversy continues to unfold, there is hope that this incident could serve as a turning point for the Bulgarian food industry. Many believe that the scandal has highlighted the urgent need for regulatory reform and stricter enforcement of food safety laws.
For now, however, the sale of adulterated cheese continues, and the company responsible remains operational. Whether legal reforms will be implemented to close the loopholes that allow such practices to persist remains to be seen.
“We cannot allow this to continue,” Velchev said. “The integrity of our food supply is at stake, and so is the health and trust of our consumers. It’s time for action, and we will keep pushing until we see real change.”
As the calls for transparency and tougher penalties grow louder, industry leaders and consumer advocates hope that this scandal will prompt swift and decisive action to protect the integrity of Bulgarian food products—and the consumers who rely on them.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members