Agriculture & Food

The Ukrainian News Agency quoted the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy, Trade and Agriculture on May 17, which approved the procedures and special requirements for food labeling, requiring the label to indicate the country of origin or place of origin. The Ministry’s Order No. 679 of April 1, 2021 was registered with the Ministry of Justice on May 6, 2021. The order will take effect from the date of its official release and will be valid for three years.

"The order is formulated in accordance with the requirements of the EU decree, which is another step we have taken towards European integration and the establishment of a common food market with the EU. After passing the decree, consumers will receive changes in the relevant food production country or place of origin. Detailed information." Deputy Minister Sergei Grushenko said that this will also reduce the possibility of food counterfeiting.

The decree stipulates the food categories for which the "country of origin" or "origin" must be entered in the label: fresh, chilled or frozen beef; fresh, chilled or frozen pork; fresh, chilled or frozen lamb and goat meat; Edible fresh, chilled or frozen beef offal, poultry meat and edible offal; honey; untreated olive oil and extra virgin olive oil.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Agriculture stated that the requirement will apply to food produced in or imported into Ukraine. However, this requirement does not apply to food for personal use only.