Bulgaria Proposes Revised Regulations on the Use of Extracts in Food and Food Ingredients Production

Bulgaria is considering revising its regulations on the use of extracts in food and food ingredients production. The proposed amendments aim to include provisions regarding the use of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as an extract in the production or distillation of fats, oils, and cocoa butter. This article explores the key points of the proposed regulations and their potential impact on the food industry.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture is planning to revise the existing regulations on the use of extracts in food and food ingredients production. The proposed amendments, open for feedback until February 29, 2024, primarily focus on the inclusion of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as an approved extract in the production or distillation of fats, oils, and cocoa butter.

According to the proposed regulations, specific maximum residue limits (MRLs) for 2-methyltetrahydrofuran would be established for various food categories. In fats, oils, or cocoa butter, the proposed MRL is set at 1 mg/kg. For food products derived from defatted protein and flour, the MRL is proposed to be 10 mg/kg. In defatted soy products sold to end consumers, the MRL is suggested to be 30 mg/kg. Meanwhile, defatted cereal products would have an MRL of 5 mg/kg.

The inclusion of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as an approved extract in these food categories signifies a potential shift in the use of extracts in Bulgaria's food industry. The proposed regulations aim to ensure the safety and quality of food products while allowing for the use of this specific extract in a controlled manner.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture encourages stakeholders and industry experts to provide feedback on the proposed amendments during the feedback period. This feedback will be valuable in refining and finalizing the regulations, taking into account different perspectives and ensuring a balanced approach to the use of extracts in food production.

The proposed revision of Bulgaria's regulations on the use of extracts in food and food ingredients production highlights the country's commitment to maintaining food safety and quality standards. By considering the inclusion of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as an approved extract, Bulgaria aims to regulate its use in fats, oils, cocoa butter, defatted protein and flour products, defatted soy products, and defatted cereal products. Stakeholder feedback will play a significant role in shaping the final regulations, ensuring a harmonized approach that benefits both the food industry and consumer safety.