Tula region finds over 3.5 tons of falsified dairy

In Tula region, the results of large-scale inspections of milk and dairy products for 2025 have been summarized — and the findings are alarming. Laboratory tests showed that some goods on the shelves do not meet quality standards.

In total, specialists checked thousands of samples of milk, butter, cheese, cottage cheese, and other dairy products. Signs of falsification were found in 42 samples. Most often, problems were detected in butter and cheeses. Substandard butter was produced in a number of Russian regions, including Nizhny Novgorod, Bryansk, Moscow, Kursk, Rostov, Novgorod, Penza oblasts, and Stavropol Krai. Cheeses with violations came from Kursk and Leningrad oblasts, as well as from Tatarstan.

Isolated cases of adulteration were also found among drinking milk, sour cream, cottage cheese, and kefir. In one sample of cottage cheese, benzoic acid was detected — a preservative that can be added to artificially extend shelf life. In two other samples of cottage cheese, microbial transglutaminase was found — an enzyme that is prohibited from use in dairy production. This may indicate violations of technology and attempts to cheapen the product.

In terms of microbiological indicators, violations were found in 121 samples. Most often, deviations concerned fermented milk products. However, dangerous pathogenic microorganisms, antibiotics, and GMOs were not detected in the inspected products. Also, no exceedances were found for radionuclides and most chemical indicators.

As a result of the inspections, 70 batches of milk and dairy products with a total volume of over 3.6 tons were removed from circulation. Responsible persons were held administratively liable. Information about manufacturers whose products were found to have violations was sent to other regions for action.