The quality of Bulgarian honey drops with every step along the production chain, according to beekeepers.

They have said that the problem is caused by honey-processers.

At the same time, no breach of standards or legal provisions takes place because the sale of honey with additives is authorized, according to a report of Bulgarian private TV channel bTV.

Under the Bulgarian national standard BDS, good quality honey must contain no more than 19.90% of water and up to 78% reducing sugar.

If these norms are observed, they can guarantee the high quality of Bulgarian honey and it will not be necessary to introduce more stringent requirements, Bulgarian beekeepers say, noting that the quality of the product in Europe is much lower.

According to the producers, even first-rate Bulgarian honey loses most of its beneficial properties until it reaches the market.

"What traders are allowed to do is to heat the honey to liquefy it so that it can pass through the packaging installations", beekeeper Daniela Chelebieva says.

Throughout the above process, honey loses a major portion of enzymes and vitamins.

As a result, Bulgarians are finding it very difficult to buy first-rate honey in supermarket chains.

Beekeepers have no direct access to big chains of food stores because they are required by law to sell 3/5 of their output to wholesale traders.

The remaining 2/5 can be sold directly only if they have a registration for the purpose.

Due to bureaucratic impediments, only 17 Bulgarian beekeepers currently have such permits.

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