EAEU reaches arrangement on introducing dairy product labeling

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Unlabeled dairy products will be banned in the EAEU once the legislation is passed. Pic: Getty Images/Evgeny Gromov

The Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) said it has reached fundamental arrangements on introducing the labeling of certain dairy products as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states – Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan – have expressed their readiness.

The timing of a prohibition on the distribution of unlabeled products is now being determined.

The document under discussion provides for introducing mandatory labeling of milk, cream and ice cream with a shelf life exceeding 28 days from January 20, 2021.

As regards products with a shorter shelf life as well as condensed milk, butter, cheese, and curd, the labeling can be introduced after July 1, 2021. As far as buttermilk, yogurt, and kefir are concerned, these products can start being mandatorily labeled from October 1, 2021. 

"Expanding the line of marked goods entails further reduction of "grey" and falsified products in the Union's market. This, in turn, will enable better ensuring the safety and protection of rights of the most vulnerable categories of citizens, taking into account social significance of dairy products," Andrey Slepnev, member of the board – EEC Minister in charge of Trade, said.