Swiss food safety experts have conducted a comprehensive assessment to determine potential ramifications on food safety within the country due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Spearheaded by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), the evaluation leveraged the FRESIL early detection system, designed to identify and evaluate foodborne risks, including those arising from geopolitical events like military conflicts.
In a workshop convened in 2023, experts scrutinized the possible impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Switzerland’s food safety landscape in the medium to long term. Notably, Switzerland’s imports from February 2022 to July 2023 encompassed cereals, vegetable oils, soya beans, and other commodities, with Ukraine serving as an indirect supplier through its association with the European Union.
Identifying and assessing 59 potential risks, experts employed a rigorous ranking system, highlighting concerns on a scale ranging from “no assessment possible” to “extremely likely.” One critical risk identified was the shortage of specialized personnel in primary production and processing, compounded by inadequate self-check mechanisms within producing companies.
Furthermore, deficiencies in state inspection authorities’ staffing levels were flagged as detrimental to export checks, alongside concerns about the lack of food traceability exacerbated by the personnel shortage. While efforts to enhance food monitoring in Ukraine were noted, pre-existing personnel shortages were acknowledged, potentially exacerbated by the conflict.
Elevated risks included dissemination of false food safety information and concerns regarding fraudulent activities within the food chain. Analysis of rejected foodstuffs from Ukraine revealed prevalent issues such as moldy animal feed, pesticide residues—chiefly chlorpyrifos—and Salmonella contamination in poultry meat.
Additional hazards included mold and mycotoxin contamination due to suboptimal storage practices, alongside potential bacterial, parasite, and viral contamination in primary plant production. Damaged infrastructure posed risks of chemical and microbiological contamination in water systems, cold chain interruptions, and improper storage practices.
Corruption within the food chain emerged as a pressing concern, with Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index reflecting ongoing challenges, urging cautious scrutiny of documents and certificates associated with Ukrainian products.
Products originating from the Donbas region, particularly wheat, barley, soybeans, and rapeseed, were deemed high-risk, with fears of long-term agricultural contamination stemming from the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Pesticide residue concerns and crop contamination were also highlighted, prompting calls for stringent controls and systematic risk assessments of Ukrainian imports.
In conclusion, experts advocated for rigorous monitoring and analysis of Ukrainian products, coupled with adaptive control measures to mitigate potential food safety risks posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
