The new regulations aim to ensure that all food products sold in official markets meet stringent safety standards, thereby protecting public health and fostering consumer confidence.
Announcement by Food Safety Authority
The head of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Serhiy Tkachuk, announced the implementation of these new standards via Facebook. Tkachuk emphasized the importance of these measures in maintaining the integrity and safety of the agri-food market sector.
“This will ensure the traceability of food safety during sale in official markets,” Tkachuk explained.
Key Provisions of the New Hygiene Requirements
The draft law introduces several critical norms and procedures that agri-food market operators must adhere to:
1. Operating Permits and Registration
- Mandatory Licensing: Agri-food market operators are required to obtain an operating permit or register their market facilities. This ensures that all markets comply with national safety and hygiene standards.
- HACCP Implementation: Operators must establish and maintain permanent procedures based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles. This systematic preventive approach addresses physical, chemical, and biological hazards in food production processes.
2. Accredited Laboratory Requirements
- Mandatory Accreditation: No agri-food market can operate without an accredited laboratory. These laboratories are responsible for testing and verifying the safety and quality of food products sold in the markets.
3. Regulations for Food Product Sales
Home Production Products
- Animal and Plant Origin: Food products of animal origin (e.g., meat, fish, honey, eggs, raw milk) and plant origin (e.g., potatoes, cabbage, carrots) produced at home can be sold only if their suitability is confirmed through tests conducted by an accredited laboratory.
Non-Home Production Products
- Traceability Documentation: Food products that are not home-produced but are accompanied by documents ensuring product traceability are exempt from mandatory laboratory testing on the market. This provision facilitates the sale of commercially produced goods while maintaining safety standards.
Special Restrictions on Meat and Offal
- Identified Farm Animals: The sale of meat and offal from ungulates is restricted to products obtained from identified farm animals. This measure aims to prevent the distribution of contaminated or unsafe meat products.
Implementation and Enforcement
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, alongside other relevant government bodies, will oversee the enforcement of these new hygiene standards. Market operators are expected to comply with the regulations promptly to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of consumers.
Impact on Agri-Food Markets
Enhanced Food Safety
The introduction of these hygiene requirements is expected to significantly enhance food safety across Ukraine's agri-food markets. By mandating rigorous testing and traceability, the regulations aim to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure that consumers have access to safe and high-quality food products.
Boosting Consumer Confidence
Consumers will benefit from increased transparency and accountability in the food market. Knowing that food products undergo stringent testing and that market operators are licensed and regulated will bolster public trust in agri-food markets.
Support for Local Producers
While the regulations impose new obligations on market operators, they also provide a framework that supports local producers in maintaining high standards. Compliance with HACCP principles and accreditation requirements can open up new opportunities for producers to demonstrate the quality and safety of their products.
Official Statements
Serhiy Tkachuk, head of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, highlighted the significance of these measures:
“Implementing these hygiene requirements is a crucial step towards ensuring that our agri-food markets operate safely and transparently. It reflects our commitment to protecting public health and maintaining high standards in our food supply chain.”
Conclusion
Ukraine's adoption of new hygiene requirements for agri-food markets marks a pivotal advancement in the nation's efforts to safeguard food safety and enhance consumer trust. By enforcing strict regulations on market operators and ensuring rigorous testing of food products, Ukraine is taking proactive measures to protect public health and support the integrity of its food markets.
As these regulations come into effect on December 5, 2024, stakeholders across the agri-food sector are urged to comply with the new standards to contribute to a safer and more reliable food supply system in Ukraine.
