Bulgaria returns 11.6 tonnes of peppers from North Macedonia over pesticide
Bulgaria intercepted a refrigerated consignment at the border after lab analysis found formetanate above allowed levels.
On 17 August 2026 at 12:19 authorities reported that a consignment of 11.6 tonnes of peppers originating from North Macedonia was returned by Bulgaria after laboratory tests found elevated levels of the pesticide formetanate.
The shipment entered Bulgaria via the Zlatarevo border crossing and was destined for a commercial operator in Petrich, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency said. Samples were taken at the border as part of routine controls.
Laboratory tests and containment
While awaiting laboratory results the entire load was retained and stored in refrigerated conditions. Tests determined that the level of formetanate exceeded the permitted limit, and Bulgarian authorities ordered the consignment to be returned to the supplier.
The peppers were not released for sale on the Bulgarian market. With the assistance of the Bulgarian customs service the shipment was sent back to its country of origin.
The case was identified as part of intensified inspections of fresh fruit and vegetables that Bulgarian institutions have carried out since the beginning of August. So far, 35 samples of fresh vegetables have been analysed—22 from peppers and 13 from tomatoes—covering consignments originating from North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania.
Photo: press material from the event
