Since September 20, Ukraine has adopted EU standards for food safety

According to the "Act on Amendments to Certain Ukrainian Food Legislation" (№ 4179), which has been passed by the Ukrainian Parliament, most of the provisions related to EU integration have entered into force since September 20. The law aims to ensure the consistency of Ukrainian legislation with EU legislation in the field of food safety and quality.

The new law provides for the introduction of a European system model for food safety and quality in Ukraine based on the principle of "from field to table" and the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) procedure. Without corresponding laws, Ukraine will not be able to implement the food supply quotas within the framework of the association agreement with the European Union. The new law significantly reduces the number of administrative control procedures and national regulations, and eliminates licensing procedures that are not available in the EU. The detailed requirements for the national regulatory procedures for food for the Ukrainian market and imported food have been clarified in accordance with EU practice. The conditions for obtaining a licence to operate have been significantly relaxed and will only apply to enterprises engaged in the production and/or storage of food of animal origin. For other enterprises, including public catering establishments and some retail establishments, it is sufficient to complete the registration procedures.

According to the new law, food safety supervision will be the responsibility of a state agency. The entire food production chain will be under supervision. Enterprises need to have accurate information on the source of raw materials or food and the direction of delivery at any time. The above information must be kept for 6 months after the marked food sale deadline. Heavy penalties are imposed for non-compliance with food legislation. Implement an effective accountability system for producers, other market operators (within their business scope) and regulatory agencies that violate the standards of the Food Safety Law.

Since the introduction of HACCP requires time and certain resources, the law contains special provisions that will enter into force 2-5 years after the date of publication. Part VII-General Hygienic Requirements for Food Handling will enter into force on September 20, 2016. This section requires market operators to ensure the health and cleanliness of plants and animals that have an impact on human health. The transitional period is set out in Chapter 20, Section 2 [for enterprises (except small enterprises) that produce food containing animal-derived raw ingredients], Chapter 21 [for enterprises (except small enterprises) that produce food without animal-derived raw ingredients] and Chapter 64, Section 1, Section 4 [for small enterprises], respectively: September 20, 2017, September 20, 2018 and September 20, 2019. Section 1 of Chapter 36 [Regarding the sale of household products in the agricultural product market based on the test results of the laboratory stationed in the agricultural product market to confirm their eligibility] will take effect on September 20, 2019.

It is reported that the law "On the revision of certain Ukrainian food legislation" was adopted by the Parliament on July 22, 2014 and published in the "Voice of Ukraine" newspaper on September 19, 2014.

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) is a system of hazard analysis and critical control points adopted by international organizations. The use of HACCP system can be transformed from the final product detection to the development of preventive measures. In order to implement the HACCP system, manufacturers need to check not only their own products and their manufacturing methods, raw materials and accessories suppliers, distribution and retail systems also apply these requirements.

Ukraine is currently implementing the national standard DSTU4161-203 "Food Safety Management System. Requirements" (since July 1, 2003) and the national standard DSTUISO22000:2007 (same ISO22000:2005. since August 1, 2007).

Source: Xinnong Network | Time: September 20, 2015 | Responsible Editor: Zhai Tianchang