In September 2024, regulations on veterinary and sanitary expertise for substandard products, including counterfeits and unmarked goods, which could be processed into feed for farm animals, will come into effect.
Currently, all expired and counterfeit goods are disposed of or destroyed. However, starting in September, sellers and manufacturers will have the right to send substandard food products, excluding grains, for processing into feed for agricultural animals. This pertains to counterfeits, unmarked products, and goods lacking accompanying documents.
The owner of such products must provide a conclusion from sanitary and epidemiological expertise before conducting veterinary and sanitary examination. Animal-origin products can only be used as feed after heat treatment.
Some senators argue that using expired products as animal feed is a viable initiative. However, it is important to meet all conditions and reconsider food safety standards regarding the disposal of substandard goods. The quantity and expiration period of products, as well as their impact on animals, can be determined through legal expertise. Moreover, one must not forget about the potential risks and consequences associated with this initiative.
The Russian Consumers Union notes that expired products should be used for animal feed only after their expiration date has passed, not when it is nearing completion. Food nearing expiration is better donated to charitable organizations and those in need.
LDPR deputies have already proposed abolishing VAT for products nearing expiration provided that stores distribute them to the population for free. However, the bill was never passed.
In March of this year, bills on food sharing—free distribution of unsold products to needy categories of citizens—are planned to be introduced in the State Duma.
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