Bulgaria: food temperature rules

“Law” is a binding rule. “Official guidance” is not law, but inspectors expect it. “Chef Hygiene default” is a value the app checks against where no rule gives a number.

• LawFrozen food: −18°C in all parts. Short rises of up to 3°C are allowed only in transport and shop display (quick-frozen food ordinance, art. 5).
• Official guidanceFridge: BFSA advises 0 to 4°C for fresh and chilled meat, fish, dairy and offal. The label’s own temperature wins. This is advice, not a legal limit.
• Chef Hygiene defaultBulgaria has no legal or official number for cooking. Chef Hygiene checks against its own default: 75°C in the core.
• Chef Hygiene defaultBulgaria has no number for hot holding. Chef Hygiene checks against its own default: 63°C or hotter.
• Chef Hygiene defaultBulgaria has no number for cooling. EU law says to cool as quickly as possible. Chef Hygiene checks against its own default: from 60°C to 10°C within 2 hours.
• Chef Hygiene defaultBulgaria has no number for reheating. Chef Hygiene checks against its own default: 75°C.
• Official guidanceAt delivery, chilled food should be 4°C or colder (BFSA’s advice) and frozen food −18°C, with up to 3°C more allowed in transport.