Russia is moving to restart unexpected checks on factories making beer, cider, and spirits. Lawmakers together with the Public Consumer Initiative are calling on the Attorney General, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the government, and Rosalkogolregulirovanie to act. The report comes from News, noting the push for tighter oversight.
According to the Public Consumer Initiative, a large share of beer producers in Russia may be breaking mandatory standards. The group claims that about 71 percent of companies in the beer sector are not fully compliant, with some exaggerating production volumes. The organization also warns that roughly a third of breweries deliver products that do not meet quality expectations. These concerns were raised last November and are cited as a key reason behind the push to introduce clearer beer labeling and traceability for consumers.
In related health news, the Ministry of Health reported a significant number of illness cases linked to the artificial alcoholic beverage marketed as Mr. Cider. The toll includes 90 people who fell ill, among them a minor and a pregnant woman. Tragically, there were 32 fatalities associated with the product in Russia. The ministry’s update highlights the dangers of adulterated or mislabeled spirits and the need for strict controls on production and distribution channels.
The ongoing discussions emphasize protecting consumer safety, ensuring accurate labeling, and enforcing mandatory production standards across the alcohol market. Stakeholders are calling for clear penalties for violations and for more transparent reporting from producers. The focus remains on strengthening regulatory measures to prevent unsafe products from reaching the shelves and to safeguard public health in Russia’s beverage industry.