Starting today, updated hygiene requirements will be applied to agri-food markets
5 December 14:21
On December 5, 2024, Order No. 1279 of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine “On Approval of Hygienic Requirements for Agri-Food Markets” will come into force. This is reported by Diia.Business, Komersant ukrainskyi informs.
As noted, the implementation of these requirements aims to improve the level of food safety and quality in agri-food markets and to promote a safe environment for consumers and increase confidence in agri-food markets.
Requirements for the organization of markets
The Order of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy sets out specific requirements for the territory of agri-food markets, premises, equipment, trade and technological equipment, inventory of agri-food markets, sale of food products and animals intended for food production at agri-food markets, etc.
For example, the territory of the agri-food market is divided into trade and economic zones, and it must be fenced. On the territory of the agri-food market, washbasins, places for washing trade equipment, fruits, and vegetables are equipped. It must be cleaned daily after the end of trading with mandatory watering (washing) of the entire territory in the warm season. A sanitary day is held at least once a month. Meat and meat products are offered for sale in separate pavilions or separate trade rows on counters, tables, in refrigerated display cases, or hung on metal tinned hooks.
What is prohibited at food markets
The order contains a number of prohibitions. For example, the sale of confectionery and culinary products, home-made semi-finished meat and fish products; home-made meat, fish, dairy, fruit and vegetable, fruit and berry, mushroom canned food; spoiled or rotting vegetables, herbs, fruits, and berries is prohibited on the agri-food market. It is prohibited to sell meat and meat products from vehicles, trailers and/or containers.
Agri-food market operators must provide appropriate conditions for the work of an accredited state laboratory of veterinary and sanitary expertise, as the operation of agri-food markets in the absence of an accredited state laboratory of veterinary and sanitary expertise is prohibited.
