Food safety regulation in Russia is not a straight forward process. Presently a number of different bodies are involved in the process, each having a specific area of specialization. Those organisations include the National Body of Sanitary Control, Ministry of Agriculture, Agency of Technical Regulation, State Trading Inspection, Ministry of Economic Development and the State Grain Inspection which all have a hand in traceability, safety and hygiene for the Russian food market.
Unlike Europe, where the newly formed European Food Safety Authority is now attempting to unify food safety in the 25 Member States, the issue is a far more complicated one in Russia, where numerous state institutions have their own individual areas of responsibility.
"Ultimately the food industry is accountable to the relevant state bodies and whatever current legislation might be in force," said Udin. "The state regulatory bodies carry out annual checks which assess the overall volumes of spoilage at individual food companies and what measures are in place with the aim of avoiding hygiene problems.
"However, the recently passed law 'On Protection of Company Rights' has stated that authorised bodies can only make checks on companies once every two years."
Udin pointed out that this move could hamper the effectiveness of authorities' efforts to improve food safety and traceability in Russia, although he simultaneously stressed that the current system means that it is "very rare that quality of food will fail".
Thorough checking
Checks for all types of food manufacturers are thorough, Udin insists, though he does emphasise that manufacturers of finished goods are checked more thoroughly than ingredients manufacturers. This is simply down to the fact that manufacturers of finished products are also expected to approve the quality and safety of ingredients.
Of course implementing Russia's comprehensive food safety standards can be problematic, as Udin points out. "Businesses don't relish check-ups and corruption between manufacturers and inspectors is a growing problem. But this mainly concerns small and medium-sized food companies. Larger manufacturers have to undergo a more thorough process involving documentation and approval from State inspectors."
HASSP
One measure that is proving successful is Health Approved Safety Standards Protection (HASSP) which many Russian food manufacturers are starting to follow. According to Udin this measure has proved particularly successful for food manufacturers who wish to export their products abroad. Evidently the internationally recognised standard is a good means of gaining the confidence of prospective customers outside Russia.
Until recently Russia's market for food export has been limited, with manufacturers concentrating on domestic supply. The country continues to be a large net importer of agro-food produce, but since the devastating effects of the 1998 economic collapse, exports are now playing an increasingly important part for food manufacturers. Growing opportunities are leading many of the country's leading domestic manufacturers to start testing the water. And it is HASSP certification that has proved vital to this ambition.
EU exports
"Prospective enterprises have to gain all necessary certificates and documents for exportation through its own efforts. If export is for EU countries, then it is necessary for the company to have the certified system of HASSP quality monitoring in place. In 1999 the EU made the decision that only Russian companies working to HASSP standard, would have the right to export their products to the EU. However, if exports are bound to CIS countries, proof that the products meet Russian safety regulations will suffice."
Food safety in Russia is an issue of growing importance as well as complexity. Undoubtedly HASSP has helped many manufacturers to achieve the safety standards necessary to help increase exports, but it seems certain that if Russia wants to continue the growth of its food export industry this measure is just the tip of the iceberg.
The interview for this article was bought about through the kind co-operation of Moscow-based market analysis company Market Advice.