Kazakhstan finds undeclared fats and DNA in 17-18% of dairy and meat products

August 30, 2026 at 11:05 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan's sanitary and epidemiological control committee reports that 17% of tested dairy products contain non-dairy fats and 18% of meat products contain DNA of animals not listed on the label. The committee warns that such adulterated products pose a potential threat to consumer health and can be found in markets, supermarkets, and stores. The findings come as authorities conduct control purchases and expert examinations following reports of counterfeit Russian products entering Kazakhstan.

Key Facts

17% of tested dairy products in Kazakhstan contain non-dairy fats, according to the Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee.
18% of tested meat products contain DNA of animals not listed on the label.
Deputy committee chairman Nurkan Sadvakasov stated that food adulteration can cause poisoning and allergic reactions.
The committee has begun control purchases and expert examinations after reports of counterfeit Russian products entering Kazakhstan.
Halibut caviar 'Kolskaya' black from Murmansk Fish Processing Plant was added to the Register of Non-Conforming Products for the first half of 2026.

Adulteration Rates

The Sanitary and Epidemiological Control Committee of Kazakhstan reports that dairy, fat-and-oil, and meat products are most frequently adulterated. On average, 17% of tested dairy products contain non-dairy fats, and 18% of meat products contain DNA of animals not listed on the label. Deputy committee chairman Nurkan Sadvakasov stated that food adulteration poses a potential threat to life and health, as it can cause food poisoning and allergic reactions.

Caviar Investigation

Following an inbusiness.kz publication about counterfeit Russian products entering Kazakhstan, territorial divisions of the committee are conducting control purchases and expert examinations. The committee reported that no consumer complaints had previously been received regarding 'Ikra lososevaya keta' 220g of the 'Ikorny Gurman' brand or halibut caviar 'Kolskaya' black from Murmansk Fish Processing Plant. Halibut caviar 'Kolskaya' was included in the Register of Non-Conforming Products for the first half of 2026. Kazakhstan has sent notifications to authorized state bodies of EAEU member states about products that do not meet technical regulations.

Labeling Requirements

The Veterinary Control and Supervision Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture explains that controlled goods moved within the EAEU must be accompanied by veterinary certificates in paper or electronic form. Acting chairman Taskyn Kyzaibaev stated that information about a product being an imitation must be indicated directly in its name or after a dash, in the same font as the product name. Fish product labeling must include the manufacturer and its location, and for imported products, also the importer.