The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on 9 November adopted in first reading a draft law that provides for the update of state regulation of food products, feed and the veterinary sphere in accordance with European Union standards.

This was reported by the press service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

It concerns draft law No. 15058-d, which combines provisions of over 20 European regulations and provides for amendments to a number of Ukrainian laws. 245 people's deputies voted for its adoption in first reading.

One of the important innovations is the creation of legal conditions for supermarkets and other market participants to transfer unsold but safe-to-consume food products free of charge for charitable purposes.

This will allow improving the mechanisms of using products suitable for consumption that were not sold in retail chains. At the same time, it is about safe products, not about permitting the transfer of goods that pose a threat to consumers' health.

The draft law also provides for updating rules in several areas:

  • regulation of safety of veterinary medicinal products and animal welfare;
  • control of animal by-products and feed;
  • establishing requirements for the use of recycled plastic that comes into contact with food products, particularly bottles and containers;
  • aligning general rules of state supervision with special rules for food control and the veterinary sphere.

According to the parliament, the changes should simplify the work of honest businesses and bring Ukrainian requirements for production and circulation of food products closer to European standards.

The document is also aimed at implementing recommendations of the European Commission, formed based on the results of the verification of compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU norms.

Currently, the new rules have not yet entered into force. The draft law was adopted only as a basis. For the final introduction of changes, it must undergo a second reading, be adopted by the parliament as a whole and signed by the President of Ukraine.

Based on materials: Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, card of draft law No. 15058-d