Counterfeit Cottage Cheese Discovered in Kyiv Markets
At a fair and markets near the Akademmistechko metro station in Kyiv, counterfeit cottage cheese has been identified, with non-dairy fat content reaching as high as 97%. The laboratory findings were released by Maksym Nesmiianov, a military veteran and expert in standardization, certification, and quality control. This case highlights ongoing challenges with food quality oversight in Ukraine.
Product Testing Details
Samples were collected from three locations: two at the market and one at the fair in the Akademmistechko area. The price range for the tested products varied from 105 to 140 Ukrainian hryvnias per kilogram. Non-dairy fat content across the samples ranged from 94% to 97%. The worst sample, taken from the fair, contained 97% milk fat substitutes.
The analysis was conducted by the testing laboratory of the State Enterprise 'State Center for Certification and Expertise of Agricultural Products,' which is accredited by the National Accreditation Agency of Ukraine. In the fat phase of the sample, 97.12% was identified as milk fat substitutes, and the trans-isomer fatty acid content stood at 27.62%. Specifically, the study revealed the following fatty acid composition:
- Oleic acid – 41.427%
- Cis-linoleic acid – 10.240%
- Stearic acid – 10.526%
- Palmitic acid – 7.517%
- Caproic acid – 0.197%
- Caprylic acid – 0.067%
- Capric acid – 0.299%
Maksym Nesmiianov stated: 'This is a cheese product where the non-dairy fat content ranges from 94% to 97%. The sample from the fair had the worst composition, with 97% substitutes.'
He further noted that genuine cottage cheese should cost around 220 hryvnias per kilogram, while counterfeit butter in Ukraine accounts for 20% to 80% of the market. This situation raises consumer concerns, as food quality is a critical aspect of public health.
This incident underscores serious issues with food quality control in Ukraine, which could have adverse effects on consumer health. The rise in counterfeit products on the market signals an urgent need for stricter government oversight and adherence to quality standards. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and choose only certified products to avoid health risks.