Ukrainian Dairy Union Calls for Restoring Full Food Labeling Requirements

The Union of Dairy Enterprises of Ukraine (UDEU) is advocating for a reinstatement of full food labeling requirements. This plea aims to counteract potential product counterfeiting and consumer misinformation. Initially, legislative adjustments during the onset of the full-scale invasion permitted updates to labeling. These changes were intended to manage supply issues and shortages.

According to the UDEU, businesses located in frontline regions now have access to government support through initiatives like the 'Made in Ukraine' policy. This includes compensation for equipment purchases, property restoration programs, and property insurance. The union believes that these measures, coupled with the capability to establish stable supply chains, negate the need for simplified labeling requirements.

The UDEU has observed that in regions near combat zones, some manufacturers have exploited the relaxed regulations to legitimize unfair practices such as counterfeiting. The union argues that maintaining these regulations poses a risk to public health by misleading consumers and facilitating illegal business activities.

The temporary labeling regulations were introduced by the Cabinet of Ministers through Resolution No. 186 on March 3, 2022. This resolution allowed for labeling flexibility in cases where recipe changes were forced due to raw material shortages or supply chain disruptions.

The union's call for a return to stringent labeling standards highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the industry in balancing regulatory flexibility and consumer protection.