Bulgaria blocks peppers from North Macedonia over pesticides, State Agriculture Inspectorate steps up checks

The State Agriculture Inspectorate has intensified checks after Bulgaria rejected several shipments of peppers exported from North Macedonia.

Tests on the products detected pesticide levels above the permitted limits.

Following the finding, the authorities launched special inspections to determine the origin of the products and check whether the rules governing pesticide use had been followed.

The Agriculture Inspectorate said that, based on information received through the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), a work order is issued for an extraordinary inspection of the exporter whose shipment was returned.

The State Agriculture Inspectorate’s checks also include examining the records farmers keep on plant protection products. Inspectors check whether these products were applied correctly, including their intended use and the crop on which they were used, and whether the relevant instructions were followed.

The field inspections are expected to determine whether farmers complied with the rules on pesticide use and whether the agricultural produce meets safety standards.