Oleg Pavlov, who leads the Public Consumer Initiative, appealed to the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation and to Rosselkhoznadzor with a demand to remove arsenic-containing pet foods from retailers and online platforms. The disclosure was reported by the publication known as News. The appeal underscores growing concern about the ongoing sale of these products in Russia, noting detected violations that include counterfeiting and the presence of potentially dangerous ingredients. Pavlov argues that manufacturers influence pricing by failing to meet quality standards, which creates unfair competition and reduces consumer trust in legitimate brands.
He stressed that the rising number of violations by foreign manufacturers calls for mandatory labeling of such products. Clear labeling would help consumers identify risks, enable better monitoring by authorities, and encourage responsible business practices across the pet food market. The stance reflects a broader push for transparency in the supply chains of imported pet foods and aims to safeguard animal health and consumer safety.
According to the Wildberries press service, there is currently no nationwide ban on the sale of Farmina and Hill’s foods. Rosselkhoznadzor reported that it has not yet received an official objection from the Office of Consumer Protection and Inspection. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of regulatory enforcement, where public announcements, retailer policies, and official notices may diverge in timing and scope.
Since January 31, Rosselkhoznadzor has temporarily restricted the import of animal feed from the Serbian organization Farmina Pet Foods because of detected arsenic content. The company maintains that the arsenic levels in its products remain below the permissible threshold. Beginning February 6, imports from the Italian firm Hill’s have also been suspended due to concerns about product quality. These actions demonstrate how regulatory agencies respond quickly to potential contaminants, balancing public health concerns with the practicalities of international trade.
In addition to Farmina and Hill’s, several brands have faced scrutiny. Products from Petfood, La Normandise, Agranda Petfood, Hill’s, and Nestle Italiana Spa have appeared on a blacklist associated with ongoing quality concerns. Certification for a limited number of manufacturers has been temporarily extended only through early April, reflecting the cautious approach authorities take when evaluating continued market access for multiple players in the pet food sector.
There is a note in the record about an unrelated incident on the Kuril Islands, where a bear reportedly took a bowl of soup from a tourist camp. This anecdote is included for context but does not pertain to regulatory actions or food safety measures. It serves as a reminder of the diverse challenges that can coexist with public safety communications in remote areas. [Citation: Russian regulatory updates and market reports]”}