Second shipment of Argentine sunflower seeds in Bulgaria also shows deviations from EU standards

Laboratory analysis of sunflower seed samples from the second vessel that arrived at the Bulgarian port of Varna from Argentina has revealed deviations from regulatory standards. The tests, carried out as part of official control by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, detected residues of the pesticides pirimiphos-methyl, deltamethrin, and malathion.

According to the results, the level of malathion exceeds the maximum residue limit by approximately three times, while the concentration of deltamethrin, although lower than in samples from the first shipment, still remains above the permitted threshold. At the same time, the detected levels of pirimiphos-methyl, even when accounting for measurement uncertainty, remain within the allowable limits.

The analysis also detected traces of heavy metals — lead, cadmium, and nickel. However, their concentrations are below the maximum limits set by EU regulations, meaning the samples comply with the standards in this regard.

Authorities continue to monitor the entire process of sunflower seed imports, including transportation and further processing. All control procedures are being carried out in accordance with established regulations governing product safety and import supervision.

It is worth noting that laboratory tests of the first shipment of Argentine sunflower seeds that arrived in Bulgaria earlier also found excessive levels of the pesticides malathion and deltamethrin. Even after applying the allowed measurement uncertainty, their concentrations remained above EU limits, while heavy metal levels complied with regulatory standards.

More detailed information on the latest trends in oilseeds/vegoils and meals exports, supply and demand balances with breakdown by crop, price behavior, crop conditions and progress in harvesting/planting in the countries of Black Sea Region is available to subscribers for Online Analytics “Black Sea Vegoils” in the new innovative tool for agri market participants – AgriSupp by UkrAgroConsult. Subscribe to a 7-day free trial!

Start using analytical data and increase your efficiency now!

Register to get your demo access: http://agrisupp.com/en/register/1

Tags: sunseed, grain quality, Bulgaria