In Moscow, several SPAR stores could face temporary closures after inspections uncovered a troubling amount of spoiled food. The health and consumer protection agency reported that about 350 kilograms of rotten products were found across two supermarkets in the chain. The information was shared via the Telegram channel First Moscow, adding a layer of urgency to the findings.
Officials stated that the outlets were selling spoiled chicken, preparing pizzas from expired ingredients, and using blackened mushrooms in some dishes. As a result, the premises are at risk of being shut for up to 30 days, and store management faces potential fines. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about food safety and the enforcement of hygiene standards across large retail networks.
Earlier developments indicated that Roskachestvo, Russia’s consumer watchdog, had begun a broader review of canned foods, focusing on beans and tuna amid reports of botulism infections. The agency confirmed that it would carry out studies on canned tuna and beans to determine whether any signs of botulism were present. Maxim Protasov, Roskachestvo’s head, explained the plan during an interview with socialbites.ca, stressing the need for comprehensive testing as part of the ministry’s mass poisoning response.
Protasov also noted that repeat testing of shawarma products would be conducted nationwide. He acknowledged that the initial results had room for improvement and stressed that the development of GOST (state standards) for shawarma would move forward with a target completion in 2025. This reflects a broader push to standardize fast-casual and street-food offerings as part of national quality and safety benchmarks.
Additionally, there is anticipation that new GOST standards for hamburgers, salads, and sushi may emerge in Russia. If finalized, these standards would aim to align domestic products with international expectations while ensuring consistent safety, labeling, and quality controls across food categories. Observers note that such regulatory advances could impact retailers, manufacturers, and foodservice operators as they adapt to tighter guidelines and verification processes. In some analyses, experts view these developments as part of a longer-term strategy to elevate consumer confidence and reduce the risk of contamination across the supply chain, from production to point of sale. These measures are being watched by industry bodies and consumer groups keen on clear, enforceable rules that protect public health while allowing markets to function smoothly.