The Quality Control Committee checked the quality of Russian poultry products. They found that one of the two samples contained antibiotic residues. Experts selected 21 pieces of chilled poultry meat from the best-selling domestic producers to verify compliance with the basic quality requirements. Meat is checked according to 44 parameters, including the number of bacteria, remnants of antibiotics, polyphosphates and chlorine. The study showed that one of the three chickens complies with the legal requirements of product quality and safety, as well as with the increased standards of the Committee, and therefore can receive a label of Russian quality.
None of the chickens samples detected phosphates, which are used as a weight enhancer, and chlorine substances, which are used to disinfect chickens. However, most of the surveyed chickens contained antibiotics. For example, two chicken samples contained an unacceptable amount of tetracycline. Other samples contained nine antimicrobial agents, such as nitrofurans, quinolones and coccidiostats, which are legally permitted in Russia, but are strictly regulated abroad and have a negative impact on consumer health. In addition, two samples contained deadly bacteria such as salmonella and listeria.
Based on the results of the audit, the Committee informed the responsible government departments that it is necessary to change the existing rules and expand the list of prohibited antibiotics.