On September 10, 2025, an important event was organized by the Territorial Inspectorate of the Veterinary Control and Supervision Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan (VCSC of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan) for the city of Shymkent. The round table, which brought together directors of domestic trade facilities, specialists of veterinary and sanitary examination laboratories located at these facilities, as well as heads of slaughterhouses, was dedicated to discussing topical issues in ensuring food safety in the city.

The main goal of the meeting was to ensure veterinary and sanitary safety in the city, improve the work of slaughterhouses, and establish strict control over the quality of products sold in the markets. It is known that the health of society is primarily closely related to quality food. In this regard, the issues raised at the round table were extremely relevant for each participant.

During their speech, representatives of the inspection emphasized that ensuring the safety of meat, milk, fish, and other animal products supplied to the public is a common responsibility not only of government agencies, but also of private entrepreneurs.

In recent years, cases of substandard products being sold in markets and retail outlets have been recorded. Such situations, firstly, pose a direct threat to the health of citizens , and secondly, they undermine consumer confidence. Therefore, product quality control and strengthening laboratory testing should be a priority.

The meeting also reviewed the current state of slaughterhouses and the quality of service. According to experts, some enterprises do not fully comply with sanitary requirements or lack appropriate documents.

In this regard, slaughterhouse directors are required to:

• compliance of industrial buildings with sanitary standards,

• special training of workers,

• Specific instructions were given to strengthen veterinary control.

These measures will not only improve product quality, but also ensure safety in accordance with international standards.

Special attention was also paid to the activities of veterinary and sanitary examination laboratories located at domestic trade facilities. Timely and high-quality laboratory tests are the main mechanism that prevents dangerous products from entering the market shelves.

Participants noted the need to use modern technologies when testing food products. The issue of improving the professional skills of laboratory specialists was also discussed.

During the round table, Article 25 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Veterinary Medicine", i.e. the obligations of individuals and legal entities, were explained. In particular, each entrepreneur:

• to monitor the availability of veterinary documents when selling animals and animal products,

• to store the product in accordance with the established rules,

• It was noted that it is mandatory to comply with sanitary requirements.

It was also clearly stated that failure to comply with these norms will result in administrative or criminal liability.

As a result of the meeting, a number of plans aimed at increasing food security in Shymkent were approved:

• Conducting systematic inspections at slaughterhouses and markets;

• High-level product quality control through the use of modern equipment in laboratories;

• Continue regular explanatory work among entrepreneurs on compliance with veterinary requirements;

• Creating a culture of safe food among the population.

The round table held on September 10 was one of the important steps towards protecting the health of city residents. Strict compliance with veterinary and sanitary requirements allows every citizen to consume safe and high-quality products.

Work in this direction will continue systematically in the future. The Shymkent Territorial Inspectorate of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan will strengthen control and continue to provide methodological assistance to entrepreneurs and laboratories.

Thus, thanks to the shared responsibility of the state and business representatives, as well as society, the quality of life of city residents will increase and the environmental and sanitary situation in Shymkent will improve.