Food Quality Monitoring Results Obtained within the Implementation of the National Demography Project in the Sverdlovsk Region

Abstract

. Introduction: In accordance with the main objectives of the National Demography Project, all citizens, regardless of their social, economic and physical status, shall have access to high-quality food products sufficient to meet human physiological needs in basic nutrients and energy for health preservation and active ageing. The objective of our study was to assess the results of pilot monitoring of food quality and availability of domestic food products contributing to elimination of macro- and micronutrient deficiencies within the framework of the National Demography Project implemented in the Sverdlovsk Region. Results: We identified problems related to planning, sampling and testing of food products including those associated with purchases, laboratory equipment, and methods of testing. According to the results of laboratory testing carried out in compliance with the developed method recommendations, 47 % of all food samples failed to meet the established quality requirements. We identified a high percentage of poor quality samples of meat, dairy, confectionery, bakery, and fish products. Conclusions: The results of our pilot project can be used to correct and develop methodologies of food sampling and testing and to regulate quality characteristics. They will contribute to enhancement of the methodological basis for monitoring of food quality and availability of local foodstuffs rich in macro- and micronutrients to the population.