We have no information that there are products with insects on the Bulgarian market, if there are, let them be published on the label", says Dr. Ivan Genchev from BABH. According to him, this type of insect is recorded in the composition with its Latin name.

"European legislation allows the authorization of novel foods individually. When it is published in the list of the European Commission, then it must be written in which food it can be put. It can be arbitrarily placed among producers who are explicitly mentioned," he explained to Bulgaria On Ear, adding that producers of insects as a source of protein are just beginning.

When asked if a producer needs to ask for a permit if he wants to put insect meal, the director of the "Control of animal feed and animal by-products" directorate said that registration is required if the production is specific.

"If it is free trade from the EU, we cannot prevent it as a member state, the distribution is the same as in Bulgaria, if it is from third countries, the products must be approved by the EC and subject to strict border control. In our country, what are the requirements for producers of conventional food, the same applies to new food", explained Dr. Genchev.

"The registers that the Food Safety Agency creates are according to the specification of the European Commission, and the enterprises according to this specification are included there. At this stage there is no requirement for a separate register for depositors or non-depositors. The manufacturer must guarantee to the consumer that what he has put in has been declared on the label. Otherwise, he will suffer sanctions in accordance with the legal regulations", commented Genchev.