Introducing GOST standards for prepared meals in Russia imminent
In a significant move for the food industry, Minpromtorg Russia, in collaboration with Roskachestvo, has announced the introduction of a new GOST (R 55889-2024) for ready-to-eat food producers, effective from June 1, 2025. This development aims to enhance the safety and quality of ready-to-eat food products, following a series of incidents of mass poisoning in Russia over the past year.
The new GOST, which adapts the mandatory requirements of the food production management system (HACCP) for ready-to-eat food producers, is expected to bring about a more stringent regulatory environment for the sector. This move aligns with the broader modernization policies and technological advancements sweeping through Russia's agricultural sector.
According to recent data, the market size for ready-to-eat food is expected to reach 9 trillion rubles in the next three years, reflecting a 40% increase compared to 2023. This growth is also evident in the sales figures, with purchases of ready meals in Russia increasing by 14% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
The collaboration on this new standard includes major food retailers such as Magnit, X5, Vkusvill, Lenta, Yandex Lavka, and others. The share of ready-to-eat food in the retail sales of Russian retailers in 2024 was 3.7%, amounting to 5.8 trillion rubles.
Notably, the growth rate of the ready-to-eat food segment in 2024 is twice the average annual growth rate of 17% from 2017-2023. It is predicted that the segment in networks will increase by 7 p.p. from the current 16% to 25% by the beginning of 2026.
However, it's important to note that while there is significant ongoing modernization and regulatory trends in Russian agriculture and food sectors, there is no specific publicly available update on a new Russian state standard tailored uniquely for ready-to-eat food products in 2025.
The new regulations are expected to have far-reaching implications for the ready-to-eat food sector, with potential improvements in digital monitoring, sustainable inputs, and stricter packaging and safety protocols. The collaboration with businesses aims to increase transparency and elevate the sector, ensuring a safer and more secure food supply for consumers.
References:
- Russian Agriculture in 2025: Modernization, Technologies, and Policies
- Government Policies and Subsidies Shaping Russian Agriculture and Food Sectors
- EFSA Endorses Advanced Food-Grade Recycling Technologies
- Impact of International Sanctions and Tariffs on Russian Agriculture and Food Exports
- Russia Rejects Bill Proposing Front Warning Labels on Unhealthy Food Products
- The new GOST for ready-to-eat food producers in Russia, which includes HACCP guidelines and stricter regulations, could potentially revolutionize the health-and-wellness sector by promoting safer food practices.
- As the demand for convenient, ready-to-eat food products surges, with projections hinting at a 40% market size increase by 2028, the science behind food production and safety is poised for significant advancements in the food-and-drink industry.
- Amid the growth of the ready-to-eat food market in Russia, the collaboration between businesses and the government on initiatives such as digital monitoring, sustainable inputs, and safety protocols reflects a broader focus on lifestyle improvements that foster health and wellness.
