The head of the Rosselkhoznadzor, Sergei Dankvert, stated in a recent interview that the quality of many products has risen since the rollout of state traceability information systems. These technologies enable regulators to identify falsified materials and substitutions in supply chains, creating a clearer picture of where risk lies and how to prevent it.
Dankvert characterized several business operators as adept at presenting imperfect goods as acceptable, highlighting a persistent tension between production ambitions and safety standards. His remarks underscored the ongoing challenge of maintaining integrity across food processing and distribution networks.
He recalled a historical anecdote about Moscow’s first soft serve appearing in 1988. The anecdote extended to a contemporary scene where a vendor displayed unnaturally bright green ice cream. The question of how such color was achieved prompted Dankvert to note that unusual visual traits can signal questionable practices, even when a product seems appealing to consumers.
The source described a shift in behavior among unscrupulous entrepreneurs, who now try to substitute cheap ingredients for more valuable ones, effectively trading subpar returns for greater profits. In Dankvert’s view, this kind of deception constitutes a form of fraud that harms public trust and turns the market into a roulette of risk for consumers and legitimate producers alike.
New traceability systems give inspectors the tools to verify what sausage or other processed meats in a given region are actually made of, down to the levels of specific ingredients and the presence of antibiotics. This capability helps ensure that declared meat content matches reality and that any additives or residues are within safe limits.
Dankvert explained that many meat processing facilities had not previously appreciated the extent to which raw materials were scrutinized. The enhanced transparency now in place makes it harder for substandard inputs to slip through the cracks, reinforcing the idea that quality control starts with raw materials and travels through the entire production chain.
There is a strong emphasis on protecting vulnerable consumers, especially the youngest ones. He pointed out that sausage and other kids’ products should meet well-established standards so that what is labeled for children truly adheres to safe, approved formulations. When mismatches occur between labeling and actual composition, questions arise about false claims and potential harm.
Beyond product composition, the regulatory framework focuses on how information is shared across jurisdictions. Rosselkhoznadzor forwards violation reports to regional governors, enabling them to form commissions tasked with addressing illegal circulation of industrial goods. This collaborative approach is intended to close loopholes and ensure accountability from production to retail.