Roskachestvo’s Findings on Wheat Flour Safety and Quality in Russia
In a recent assessment, Roskachestvo evaluated a broad range of wheat flour variants available in Russia and concluded that all tested samples met safety standards. Seven years earlier, the proportion of flour considered to be of high quality stood at 16%. This shift is noted by the TASS news agency, which referenced the episode’s briefing in its coverage.
The agency’s examination targeted packaged flour in weights from 1 to 5 kilograms, sourced from twelve distinct regions across the country. Collectively, these regions account for roughly three quarters of Russia’s domestic flour market, underscoring the scope of the study and its relevance to everyday consumers.
Roskachestvo reported that the overall test outcomes did not reveal systemic issues within the market and that high-quality flour remained generally safe. In laboratory baking trials, all flour samples were deemed clean after 36 hours, with no potato disease detected. This contrasts with 2016, when such a defect was found in about 12% of tested products, indicating notable improvements in quality control and processing practices over time.
Regarding potential contaminants, the assessment found no evidence of contamination or pest infestations in the flour samples. Likewise, no excessive pesticides or unwanted bromates—chemicals sometimes used to influence cooking properties in grain stocks—were detected as contaminants introduced during grain processing. It is worth noting, however, that modest pesticide traces appeared in a portion of the samples, with one or more trace amounts identified in about 40% of the flour tests. The significance of these traces remains a subject of ongoing dialogue among regulators and industry participants.
Looking at the broader picture, Roskachestvo’s findings suggest a general trend toward safer and more reliable flour in the market, while also highlighting the nuanced reality that even within a category deemed safe, small percentages of products may carry trace-level residues. The organization has emphasized that, as of the latest assessment, the share of flour classified as quality remains relatively modest, and continuing vigilance is warranted to sustain and improve performance across all regions. The 2016 baseline cited by Roskachestvo provides a valuable point of reference for charting progress in quality control measures and consumer protection over time. (Roskachestvo; cited by TASS, referenced in industry briefings)
Analysts note that the study’s scope—covering multiple regions and a large slice of the domestic market—appears designed to reflect typical consumer exposure. The absence of systemic problems, combined with the absence of major contaminants, supports a cautious but reassuring position for shoppers choosing wheat flour for home baking and culinary use. Meanwhile, the presence of trace pesticide residues in a significant portion of samples invites ongoing reviews of agricultural practices, storage conditions, and regulatory thresholds. Such considerations help explain why ongoing testing and transparent reporting remain essential components of consumer assurance in the flour sector. (Observations from Roskachestvo; corroborated by industry observers)
In summary, Roskachestvo’s 2020s examination of 1–5 kg packaged flour across twelve regions shows a market moving toward consistent safety and improved laboratory outcomes, even as the share of top-tier quality flour remains a minority. The findings align with broader public interests in food safety, fair labeling, and reliable product performance, encouraging both producers and regulators to continue strengthening quality controls for flour available to Canadian and U.S. audiences who import or compare products from international markets.