Tiraspol, 22 September. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. A draft law «On the quality and safety of food» was discussed today at a government meeting. As explained by First Deputy Minister of Justice Vladislav Zhuk, it is designed to regulate the legal relationship arising in this sphere. At the present stage, the issues related to the quality and safety control of food are governed by several Pridnestrovian laws but only fragmentarily, wherefore some of them remain outside the legal framework.
«The document legislates a number of notions and terms in the sphere of product turnover, defines such terms as 'food products', 'baby food', 'nutritional supplements', 'food quality', 'adulterated food' and so on. The law stipulates the saleability of food products, the requirements according to which products can be on sale or are subject to withdrawal," explained Vladislav Zhuk.
It also stipulates the competence of state authorities, organisations and officials in the sphere of quality and safety of food, outlines a range of issues related to food standardisation and certification. In addition, the document regulates relations in the sphere of production, importation, storage, transportation, sale and consumption of food raw materials and food products, and also defines the rights and duties of citizens to ensure food safety.
The bill is based on a Russian law that has been adapted to Pridnestrovie's realities.
«The passage of the bill will be of practical use when dealing with the supply of Pridnestrovian food to Russia. The unity of legal requirements for food quality and safety will be undoubtedly a telling argument in favour of the promotion of our goods in the Russian market," said the deputy minister.
Government members unanimously approved the draft law, which now is to be considered by the Supreme Council.
