Russia Proposes Sweeping New Rules for Food Production and Delivery

Russia's consumer watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has proposed strict new rules for food production and delivery. The draft regulations aim to tighten hygiene, automation, and storage standards across the industry. If approved, they will reshape how ready-made meals are made, packaged, and transported. Under the proposed rules, food production facilities must meet tougher requirements. They will need a direct connection to a water supply system to operate legally. Designs must also support large-scale, standardised manufacturing with at least 50% automation.

The ban on residential food production is absolute. Facilities in any part of a residential building—even non-residential floors—will no longer be permitted. Authorities have not yet released data on how many businesses this could affect. For ready-made meals, cooling must happen immediately after preparation. No single product can stay in the packaging area for more than one hour. Portioning must take place in a chilled zone, with temperatures kept at or below 12°C. Producers must also collect daily samples of each product type and store them for the entire shelf life plus an extra 48 hours. Before starting sales, companies must notify authorities within 30 days. Delivery rules are equally strict. Transport vehicles must maintain the exact storage conditions set by manufacturers. Containers may only carry food—no personal items or unrelated goods are allowed.

The draft regulations set clear standards for automation, hygiene, and transport. If implemented, they will require significant changes from producers and delivery services. Companies will need to adjust operations to meet the new legal requirements.