Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food: New requirements for informing consumers on foodstuffs enter in force today

Today, August 6, 2019, the Law of Ukraine "On the Provision of Food Information to Consumers" enters into force and determines the general principles and requirements for food information, in particular regarding their labeling, as well as the obligations of market operators to provide relevant food information to consumers.

“Adoption of the Law of Ukraine is a significant step towards fulfilling by Ukraine its commitments in the sector of sanitary and phytosanitary measures within the framework of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU. Thus, the Law of Ukraine was drafted in line with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers”, said Mykola Moroz, Director-General of the Directorate for Food Safety and Quality.

The requirements of the Law of Ukraine will apply not only to food producers at all stages of production and circulation but also to food products intended for the end consumer, in particular, those sold at catering establishments.

According to the requirements of the Law of Ukraine, food information must be accurate, trustworthy and understandable to the consumer and should not be misleading as to the characteristics, properties, composition of the food. This requirement will apply both to the advertising of food products and to the manner of placement and presentation of food products for sale, including form, appearance, and packaging.

“The consumer should receive the most accurate information about the food and be able to make informed choices“.

Apart from that, the Law of Ukraine determines a list of mandatory information on food products, as well as requirements for the placement and presentation of such information”, Mykola Moroz explained.

Thus, he said, market operators should be obliged to label allergens that may cause food intolerance, the presence of GMOs, the indication of use conditions, in cases provided, exposing food to ionizing radiation, the presence of added water and more.

In addition, the new Law puts special emphasis on the rules for the provision of information on food products that are sold in a remote way, including using means of remote communication (Article 9).

Moreover, the Law of Ukraine determines the basic requirements for information on food products provided on a voluntary basis, in particular, the definition of "natural" dairy products was incorporated.

It should be noted that the Law of Ukraine stipulates for the significantly increased responsibility of market operators for violation of the legislation on providing consumers with information on food products.