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It is not true that the EU intends to ban essential oils, including rose oils, it becomes clear from the position of the European Commission quoted by the Bulgarian National Radio. The reaction is in connection with reports that haveemerged that essential oils will be subject to European regulation, which will either ban them or oblige manufacturers to put special identification labels on them - bright yellow with a skull and bones.
A few days ago, it became known that rose oil and other essential oils will be classified by the EC not as natural but as chemical products that could be potentially toxic. Bulgaria is a leading global producer of rose oil and lavender oil, products with wide application in the Bulgarian and global industry.
After a series of media publications and comments in the public space, the official position of the European Commission came out. It says that essential oils are already defined as chemical substances and are regulated as such by European legislation, and that they will not be banned. And further, “The Commission does not intend to change this definition, nor to begin requiring analysis of every molecule in essential oils. Overall, the revised rules will help to better identify the hazardous properties of chemical substances and to better manage the associated risks, where necessary."
Could Bulgarian rose oil be "toxic"?
Bulgarian rose oil is a complex natural product that cannot be obtained synthetically. It has rich pharmacological activity, proven by Bulgarian and foreign scientists, we learn from associate professor Ganka Baeva, director of the Institute of Roses, Essential and Medical Crops in the town of Kazanlak. In an interview with Bozhidar Alexandrov from the Hristo Botev Channel of the BNR, she explains what the characteristics of the rose oil produced in Bulgaria are:
"It is obtained viawater-steam distillation. This is a method created hundreds of years ago that is completely ecological and safe for human health and the environment. The production of essential oil cannot be equated with that of chemical substances. So far, at least at the institute, we are not aware of anything harmful to humans in the ingredients of rose oil. We make creams, perfumes and we have not received any complaints. The classification of rose oil and all other essential oils not as a natural but as a chemical product will immediately reflect on both the perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. Restrictions and requirements will be imposed, which will lead to
