From December 5, 2024, new hygiene requirements for agri-food markets will come into force in Ukraine, which are designed to enhance food safety. These rules will apply not only to food products themselves, but also to the conditions of their storage, transportation and sale. This was reported by the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection (State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection).

The new rules stipulate that all food products sold in the markets must meet safety standards and certain quality indicators. They must be stored at a temperature that prevents the growth of microorganisms and the formation of toxins. In addition, it will be mandatory to accompany the product with documents confirming its quality, as well as the presence of proper labeling or information materials that comply with the legislation.

Hygienic requirements apply to agri-food and wholesale markets of agricultural products, as well as to market complexes of any form of ownership. They define standards for premises, trading equipment, inventory, as well as conditions for maintaining markets and products. In particular, markets must have an operating permit or be registered in accordance with the requirements.

Among the key prohibitions is the sale of products whose shelf life has expired or those that spoil quickly without appropriate refrigeration equipment. The sale of home-made canned goods, culinary products, minced meat, black puddings and similar home-made products is also not allowed. Trading from the ground or floor is prohibited, and special places with appropriate equipment must be provided for dried mushrooms and other specific goods.

Special attention is paid to the presence of an accredited laboratory on the territory of the agri-food market. It is mandatory for product quality control, and market operators must provide the laboratory with proper operating conditions: heating, electricity, ventilation, water supply and drainage.

Such measures are designed to significantly reduce risks for consumers and help increase confidence in products sold on the markets. At the same time, meeting these requirements will be a serious challenge for market operators, as their implementation requires investments in equipment modernization and infrastructure improvements.