site.btaBrussels Eases Restrictions on Pork Trading from Most of Bulgaria

The European Commission has relaxed African swine fever (ASF) related restrictions on the production of, and trade in, pigs and pork across/from most of Bulgaria, with some exceptions in several municipalities in four regions: Blagoevgrad, Pazardzhik and Plovdiv in the south of the country and Varna on the northern coastline.

The change entered into force on March 19 following a revision to Annex I to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/605 of 7 April 2021 laying down special control measures for ASF.

The relaxation allows pig breeders in the respective regions to follow less rigorous rules in trading in pork and pork products originating from local farms to be sold on the EU market.

The Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) commented on Sunday that the restrictions were eased thanks to effective control over ASF in domestic pigs in Bulgaria.

The country strictly abides by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/605, which sets rules for trading in live pigs, pork and pork products from countries which have diagnosed and reported cases of ASF among domestic pigs or wild boars, BFSA said.

It noted that pork originating from ASF-affected areas is absolutely safe for consumption by humans.