Russian food manufacturers are raising concerns that a new bill mandating compliance with GOSTs (state standards) will significantly increase production costs and prices, potentially leading to the disappearance of some products from store shelves. Consumers may face higher prices, especially for socially important goods.

The bill, currently under consideration, would require all food producers to adhere to GOSTs, which are stricter than the current standards that allow companies to use internal specifications while meeting basic safety regulations.

Industry associations, including those representing dairy, meat, and bakery producers, have voiced strong opposition. They predict that many products that do not meet the GOST standards will be removed from stores, with the dairy industry potentially losing up to 10% of its products.

Experts suggest that while there may be initial price increases, the new standards will ultimately benefit consumers by improving product quality and increasing trust in brands that meet the requirements. Some believe that increased transparency will drive out brands unable or unwilling to adapt.

Milk and dairy products, particularly those with complex compositions like yogurts and cottage cheeses, are expected to see the most significant price increases (10-15%). Meat semi-finished products could rise by 8-12%, while bread and bakery products may increase by 5-10%. Butter and baby food are also projected to become more expensive, with increases of 7-10% and 10-15%, respectively.

Manufacturers cite additional burdens such as recipe processing, laboratory research, packaging changes, and document re-registration as reasons for the anticipated price hikes. Small and medium-sized businesses are expected to be particularly affected due to limited resources for rapid adaptation.

The dairy industry anticipates that up to 10% of brands, especially those produced by small enterprises, may exit the market. Products containing milk fat substitutes could disappear if they fail to meet the new standards.

Authorities are urged to provide a transition period and support for businesses to mitigate potential problems for the entire food sector. While large companies may be able to redistribute resources and adapt in the medium term, price increases and reduced variety are expected during the initial implementation phase.