Sofia, August 4 (BTA) - The system for control over the production and market of organic foods does not protect sufficiently the interests of consumers, found the National Audit Office in a report. The Office audited the control system in the period between January 2016 and June 2017.

Control over organic agricultural foods on the market is not efficient enough, as there is no information about all outlets that sell organically produced agricultural products and foods. In addition the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency does not control organic foods sold in eating establishment and online due to the lack of relevant legislation.

The lack of control creates a risk that these outlets sell foods that don't meet the requirements for organic produce.

The Audit Office found that no statements of violations have been issued under a law that transposes a general organization of agricultural markets in the EU but only recommendations.

Among the other conclusions are that the process for the issue of control licences is inefficient as well as the supervision of controllers. Consumers are not aware of the labelling requirements for organic foods and their identification. A database of producers, manufacturers and traders of organic agricultural products and foods does not fulfill its main purpose: to provide transparency for customers.