A Series of Practical Trainings on Laboratory Testing Methods under the Raw Milk Control Program was held in Vinnytsia
With the support of the Swiss-Ukrainian Programme “Higher Value Added Trade from the Organic and Dairy Sector in Ukraine” (QFTP), a series of practical trainings were held for specialists from the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP) laboratories on laboratory testing methods for indicators under the Raw Milk Control Program (RMCP).
The trainings were held in May-June at the Vinnytsia State Regional Laboratory of the SSUFSCP, which, in accordance with the Order of the SSUFSCP No. 276 dated 08.04.2025, is a candidate for the National Reference Laboratory for Research (Testing) of Milk and Dairy Products (NRL).
The trainers, who were trained in January 2025 at the National Reference Centre for Cow’s Milk Quality, which operates at the Research Institute for Animal Health of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna (Italy), shared their experience with Ukrainian laboratory specialists.
During the trainings, the requirements of national legislation on raw milk safety and quality, rules for sampling raw milk and methods of laboratory research (testing) of raw milk samples within the framework of the RMCP were explained for:
- total bacterial count,
- somatic cell count,
- residues of antimicrobial substances/antibiotics and other inhibitors by screening methods,
- freezing point.
“These trainings are designed not only to improve the professional level of laboratory specialists, but also to lay the foundation for the further functioning of the NRL for research (testing) of milk and dairy products, as training is one of the functions of the NRL, as well as distance learning – the video footage will form the basis of an online course for laboratories across the country,” said Oleg Osiian, First Deputy Head of the SSUFSCP.
As a result of the practical trainings, 51 participants from 29 laboratories (22 regional level and 7 inter-district level) from 22 regions of Ukraine successfully completed the training and received certificates.
This series of trainings is another step towards strengthening the knowledge of the specialists of laboratories authorised to conduct testing within the framework of the RMCP.
For more information about the network of laboratories authorised to conduct testing within the framework of the RMCP and information materials for laboratories in this area of activity, please follow the link.
