Head of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection Serhii Tkachuk held a working meeting with heads of veterinary and food laboratories

A working meeting was held under the leadership of the Head of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP), Serhii Tkachuk, with the participation of the Director of the State Scientific Research Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary Expertise, as well as the heads of 22 laboratories within the system that conduct research in the areas of food safety and veterinary medicine.

The main topic of the meeting was the further strengthening of the laboratory network of the Service. In particular, attention was paid to the introduction of innovative technologies, improvement of the material and technical base, as well as professional development of specialists. According to Serhii Tkachuk, these steps are critical to ensure effective control of food safety and quality and monitoring of the epizootic situation in Ukraine.

The Head of the Service also emphasized the need to maintain trust from the public and partners. “This is extremely important, especially in times of war, when we are faced with the task of providing our defenders with safe food. It is for this purpose that we signed a memorandum with the State Logistics Operator (DOT),” said Serhii Tkachuk.

He urged the heads of laboratories to review their existing accreditations and, in the absence of a full range of tests, to join forces by concluding subcontracts between institutions. “Our goal is to create a unified laboratory network that will be able to provide businesses with the entire necessary package of tests in one place,” added the Head of the SSUFSCP.

The issue of resuming the frequency of inspections of imported food products from June 2 this year was also considered. This refers to the organization of laboratory tests of food products imported into Ukraine. Given the concentration of the main workload in the western regions, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection is considering the possibility of involving laboratories from other regions to balance the workload.

The Leadership of the Service emphasized the importance of a systematic approach to the development of the laboratory network as one of the key elements of ensuring food safety, animal health and, as a result, improving the quality of life of citizens.