Russia Moves to Fine Charities and Businesses Over Expired Food Distribution
In Russia, fines are set to be imposed on charitable organizations and related entities that distribute expired products. This development has been reported by national media outlets, signaling a tightening approach to food safety and consumer protection. [Source: national news coverage]
Deputies of the State Duma have drafted amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses. The proposed changes would establish penalties for violations related to safe food handling and distribution. Under the draft, individuals and small-scale entrepreneurs who operate without forming a legal entity could face fines from 20,000 to 30,000 rubles, while individual entrepreneurs would be fined 10,000 to 20,000 rubles. Legal entities could see fines ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 rubles. [Source: draft legislation summaries]
The bill’s explanatory note explains that the updates are designed to reduce the risk of distributing unsafe products, with a particular emphasis on expired food items. In addition to amendments to the Administrative Code, the package also targets the laws on charitable activities and volunteering, and on quality and safety of food products. [Source: committee briefing documents]
Earlier reports indicated that Russia plans to expand product traceability systems. Beginning on April 1, 2024, a system was set to progressively curb the sale of expired products at payment points through automatic blocking mechanisms. [Source: government announcements]
There was also mention that stores might be allowed to distribute certain foods under clarified conditions, though the specifics remained under discussion. [Source: industry briefings]