Belarus Bans Russian Sweets, Vinegar, and Other Foods Over Safety Violations
Belarusian state standards watchdog (Gosstandart) has banned a range of food products from Russia, including vinegar, a fermented milk drink, and pastries, citing safety and labelling violations discovered during routine inspections.
According to the Belarusian Committee for Standardization’s register of unsafe products, the banned items failed to meet Eurasian Economic Union technical regulations.
Russian natural apple vinegar (6%) was deemed non-compliant because it contained the preservative potassium sorbate , which is not permitted for use in vinegar production.
A fermented milk drink called «Tan» from the «Dolgoletie» (Longevity) brand failed physical and chemical tests. Its protein content was measured at 0.63%, below the minimum required 1.4%. Regulators stated this misleads consumers, as the product cannot be legally identified as a fermented milk drink produced with added water.
Labelling inaccuracies were also found. Strawberry jam from the «Proshu k stolu!» (Help Yourself!) brand contained an undeclared synthetic colourant, Ponceau 4R . The packaging lacked the mandatory warning label stating that this dye may affect children’s activity and attention.
Similar violations were identified in «Extra» tomato paste from the same «Proshu k stolu!» brand, which contained the undeclared preservative sorbic acid .
Furthermore, «Muffin with Condensed Milk» oriental sweets under the «Slada-YUG» brand were found to contain undeclared colourants, including Tartrazine (E102) , without the required consumer warning on the packaging.
All the aforementioned Russian products have been declared unsafe and added to the state register, typically leading to orders for their removal from circulation and requiring manufacturers to address the violations.
Substances Found and Associated Risks:
- Potassium Sorbate (E202) — A mould-inhibiting preservative common in sauces, confectionery, and cheeses. Its use is prohibited in vinegar production.
- Ponceau 4R (E124) — A red synthetic colourant used in drinks, ice cream, and sweets. Its presence in the jam was not declared, and the packaging lacked the mandatory warning about its potential effects on children.
- Sorbic Acid (E200) — A shelf-life-extending preservative used in juices, dairy, and meat products. It was found in the tomato paste without being listed on the label, misleading consumers about the product’s composition.
- Tartrazine (E102) — A yellow synthetic dye used in soft drinks, puddings, and candies. Its presence in the sweets was not declared, and the packaging lacked the legally required warning for consumers.