The Ukrainian Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) advocates a return to a full food labeling regime to prevent future product counterfeiting and misleading consumer information, according to a statement from the Association.
In its view, at the start of the full-scale invasion, legislative changes that allowed labeling requirements to be suspended were justified; however, today enterprises in frontline regions have sufficient state support tools under the “Made in Ukraine” policy—specifically, compensation for equipment purchases, recovery programs, and property insurance.
Furthermore, even in areas close to the combat zone, manufacturers have the ability to establish stable supply chains and continue operations without the need to maintain simplified labeling requirements, the Association believes.
“At the same time, it is precisely in these regions that the activities of certain manufacturers of counterfeit products are currently being observed, who are effectively using the resolution as a tool to legitimize unscrupulous practices. Therefore, maintaining this regulation poses risks to public health, misleads consumers, and effectively creates favorable conditions for illegal business and food fraud,” the Association emphasizes.
As reported, on March 3, 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted Resolution No. 186 “Certain Issues Regarding the Labeling of Food Products Under Martial Law,” which temporarily permits manufacturers not to update labeling in cases of forced changes to the recipe due to raw material shortages or supply issues.
