In November 2024 a serious public health case tied to a popular snack line drew the attention of consumer protection authorities. Rospotrebnadzor, the federal service responsible for safeguarding public health and consumer safety, issued a 20,000 ruble fine to the brand Chali after three children fell ill with salmonella linked to mini meatballs sold under that label in Vastiville stores. The episode sparked questions about how the product was handled in retail networks and how safety information was communicated to customers.
The affected families describe a severe infection that required medical care. All three children tested positive for salmonella after consuming the meatballs. One of the youngsters needed long-term treatment, including a course of antibiotics and other medicines, along with supportive therapies. The mother noted that a treatment pack of medicines priced around 900 rubles was consumed within just three days, underscoring the immediate financial strain alongside the health impact.
Lab tests on the product batch confirmed the presence of Salmonella in the meatballs. Even with this confirmation, Vastiville did not suspend sales of the product and did not publicly announce a recall for the batch in question. Observers and the victims indicated that the retailer did not update its product safety procedures in response to the incident, leaving customers unsure about which items were affected. The broader impression was that safety communication remained limited for shoppers.
After multiple complaints from the family, the consumer protection agency imposed a 20,000 ruble fine on the brand. The parent expressed strong disappointment, arguing that the penalty did not compensate for medical expenses or reflect the full harm caused by the contamination. The response highlighted a tension between official penalties and the real-world losses experienced by families dealing with foodborne illness.
On March 17 the Telegram channel Attention, Moscow reported that a Moscow resident found a piece of metal in a sandwich sold at a Vastiville location. The store offered a refund of the purchase price to the affected customer, signaling a readiness to address complaints directly with shoppers. This episode added to the ongoing conversation about product safety and how retailers respond when concerns are raised.
Earlier in March, reports circulated about another safety-related incident at a Vastiville outlet in Moscow, where a customer issue at the counter led to ongoing claims and the involvement of legal counsel. A lawyer represented the complainant and pursued a course toward formal action, illustrating how consumer disputes can escalate from a storefront complaint to a courtroom setting.
Prior to these events there were references to a February incident in which a Muscovite reported discomfort linked to a Vastiville product, contributing to a broader discussion about testing, recalls, and consumer remedies within the local market. The series of events has kept consumer safety at the forefront and prompted calls for clearer labeling, batch tracking, and faster communication of risk to shoppers who rely on these products for their families.