Russia launches unprecedented testing of vegetables and berries in 2026 push

Russian agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor has begun large-scale testing of vegetables, berries, and leafy greens across several regions. This year’s sampling programme marks a major expansion, with over three times as many tests planned compared to 2025. Inspectors have already collected produce from Primorsky Krai and Magadan Oblast for analysis. Inspectors gathered 19 samples from farms in Primorsky Krai and Magadan Oblast. The collected produce included tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers from Magadan, as well as tomatoes and cucumbers from Ussuriysk. No violations were found in the Magadan samples, which were analysed by APK NACRYBV.

The Ussuriysk samples are now being examined at the COC APK laboratory. Further testing will cover strawberries, eggplants, and additional tomatoes in Primorsky Krai. All samples come from agricultural lands registered in the Federal State Information System. By 2026, Rosselkhoznadzor plans to test a total of 349 samples. This represents a significant increase from last year’s programme, reflecting a broader monitoring effort across the regions.

The expanded testing programme will continue through 2026, with results expected to confirm compliance with agricultural standards. If no further violations are found, the findings will support the safety of produce from these regions. The increased sampling also suggests tighter oversight of vegetable and berry production in the coming year.