Argentine sunflower oil being exported out of Bulgaria, food agency says

More than 121,500 tonnes of Argentine sunflower seeds imported into Bulgaria have been processed, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) said. Most of the crude oil produced - around 30,600 tonnes - has already been exported to Egypt, with a further 19,000 tonnes being loaded for India.

About 47,000 tonnes of sunflower meal (the protein-rich residue left after oil extraction) remain in storage in Bulgaria.

• Tests find pesticides above limits in Argentine sunflower shipment to Bulgaria

In total, 363,400 tonnes of sunflower seeds from Argentina have arrived in nine shipments. Tests found that much of the raw material contains pesticide residues well above permitted levels, meaning products derived from it are not allowed for use within the European Union.

The importer, processing company Oliva, has assured the BFSA that the products’ use and traceability are fully monitored.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova