The Ministry of agriculture of the Russian Federation directs producers of infant formula to use up to 70% of domestic raw materials

"They say that in the first year of operation the share of raw materials of Russian production should be 50%, in the second year - 60%, in the subsequent year the share should achieve 70%", she said. To mention the fact that domestic producers are experiencing a shortage of certain types of domestic raw materials, in particular, whey powder with demineralization level 90% (for the production of breast-milk substitutes), Afonina reminded that in April, the government withdrew these products from the scope of food embargo. Deliveries are possible subject to confirmation of the intended purpose of the imported goods and in the amount approved by the Ministry of agriculture.

As reported, the Ministry of agriculture offers to allow the import of 3 thousand tons of this whey this year.

However, this mechanism does not work yet.

According to Afonina, the Ministry of justice returned orders on the volume of deliveries and the procedure for confirming the intended purpose to the Ministry of agriculture. The documents must also pass the procedure related to the "regulatory guillotine". At the same time, Afonina said that a number of companies are currently implementing projects in Russia that will reduce their dependence on imported whey. For example, “EkoNiva” is building a plant in Novosibirsk region that will produce cheese whey. It will be processed into demineralized whey. The launch is planned for next year, she said. Nestle plans to implement a "fairly serious project" for the production of breast milk substitute in the Russian Federation, said the head of the Department.

"It localizes production and in August is going to officially present the project for the full cycle of production of breast milk substitute", - said Afonina.

Nestle plans to implement a "fairly serious project" for the production of breast milk substitute in the Russian Federation, said the head of the Department.

"It localizes production and in August is going to officially present the project for the full cycle of production of breast milk substitute", - said Afonina. The head of the Department also said that the need for breast milk substitute in the Russian Federation is estimated at 40 thousand tons per year. Currently, three companies are engaged in its production. At the end of 2019, the output amounted to 21 thousand tons.