The ‘Technical assistance to improve the implementation of food safety standards and disease crisis preparedness’ project (EU Food Safety Project - EU FSP), funded by the EU within the scope of the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, organized a study visit for TCc laboratory experts to the city of Sofia in Bulgaria from 2 till 6 April 2023 and visited:
- Regional Food Safety Directorate (RFSD) - Sofia city
- Laboratory "Milk and milk products", RFSD - Sofia city
- Laboratory "Meat and meat products", RFSD - Sofia city
- Central Laboratory of Veterinary-Sanitary Expertise and Ecology (CLVSEE) – Sofia city
- Central Laboratory for Chemical Research and Control (CLHIC) – Sofia city
- National Diagnostic Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine - National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Brucellosis and NRL for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies– Sofia city
The participants had the chance to broaden their knowledge and expertise on food safety and hygiene requirements in EU Member States. They observed sampling for official control and shared good practices. The participants also experienced laboratory networks, accreditation requirements and procedures, validation of methods, and participated in recognized proficiency testing schemes. The TCc laboratory experts engaged in the activity of the laboratory and shared good practices on monitoring of food safety parameters and residues in food of animal and non-animal origin.
The attendees had the unique opportunity to share experiences with scientists, laboratory personnel, and decision-makers while also improving their knowledge and practical understanding.