The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection has started work on monitoring the observance of the anti-epidemic measures established by the resolution of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine of April 27, 2020 No. 14 "On combating the spread of coronavirus disease COVID-19 in agricultural commodity markets."

According to the decision of the Government, the functioning of the agro-food markets as operators of the food market in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On Basic Principles and Requirements for Food Safety and Quality of Foods" is possible only if the requirements for anti-epidemic measures established by the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine are met.

In addition, during the quarantine period, the State Consumer Service will ensure that daily unscheduled inspections of compliance with agri-food markets meet the requirements for anti-epidemic measures established by the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of Ukraine has developed and approved a list of requirements for anti-epidemic measures to combat coronavirus COVID-19 in food trade and agri-food markets.

In particular, those include:

• valid registration of the agro-food market as a food market operator;
• the admission of workers and visitors to the territory of the market solely with a face mask (respirator);
• contactless temperature screening;
• availability of antiseptic dispensers at every entrance (entry for vehicles);
• the number of visitors who are simultaneously in the market, no more than one visitor per 10 square meters of the retail area;
• distance between vendors' places - not less than 3 meters, trade places should be equipped with protection screens between sellers and buyers;
• disinfection of contact surfaces every three hours, cleaning and disinfection of all premises, including retail outlets at the end of each working day;
• absence of uncontrolled (pop-up retail) trade in the territory adjacent to the market;
• ensuring that visitors are kept informed of any restrictions that must be met;
• the agri-food markets are committed to meeting the requirements for preventive measures to counteract the spread of COVID-19 and to promptly address violations.