On October 3, 2025, officers from the Shymkent City Police Department, specifically the Yenbekshinsky District Police Department, conducted another inspection of stores, retail outlets, slaughterhouses, and private farms located within the district. The primary goal of these measures was to prevent the sale of substandard and unsafe meat products, as well as to ensure compliance with veterinary and sanitary requirements and storage regulations for animal products.

Ensuring food security and protecting public health are now priorities not only for the police but also for local authorities. As part of interagency cooperation, representatives of the veterinary control department, sanitary service personnel, and specialists from the district akimat participated in the raids. The inspections were conducted with particular attention to documents confirming the origin and quality of the meat.

During the inspection, 18 retail outlets selling meat products and five private farms where livestock were slaughtered were inspected. Inspectors identified a number of violations. Some businesses failed to provide veterinary certificates confirming the legal origin of the meat and its suitability for consumption. Some retailers stored their products without observing temperature standards, which could lead to rapid spoilage and pose a health risk to customers.

Following the raid, administrative charges were filed against six retail outlets whose owners failed to provide veterinary documents. These charges have been submitted to the relevant authorities for review under Article 406 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Administrative Offenses— "Violation of Veterinary Rules." This article provides for fines and, in the case of repeated violations, temporary suspension of the business.

Police officers emphasized that every entrepreneur is obligated to comply with sanitary and veterinary regulations. A veterinary certificate is not just a formality, but a document confirming that the meat has been inspected, is free of infections, and is safe for consumption.

During the raid, special attention was paid not only to retail outlets but also to slaughterhouses. In several yards, inspectors discovered instances of illegal slaughter of livestock without proper conditions. Such practices pose a risk of spreading infectious diseases among both animals and people. Police and veterinarians reminded residents that livestock slaughter should only be carried out in specially equipped facilities that comply with all sanitary requirements.

Representatives of the Yenbekshinsky District Police Department held preventative talks with business owners, explaining that failure to comply with meat trade regulations not only damages a business's reputation but can also lead to serious consequences, including life-threatening consequences for consumers. Store owners were reminded of the need to have a full set of documents: a veterinary certificate, a laboratory safety report, and invoices confirming the origin of the meat.

Police also urged city residents to exercise caution when purchasing meat products. Residents are advised to request documentation from sellers confirming the quality and origin of the product. Purchasing meat at spontaneous markets or from unauthorized sellers can be dangerous, as it is impossible to guarantee the product's safety.

The Shymkent Police Department press service noted that such raids will be conducted on a regular basis. Their goal is not to punish entrepreneurs, but to prevent potential violations and ensure that the public receives only high-quality and safe food products.

"We don't aim to close stores or disrupt business," the police spokesman noted. "The main thing is that sanitary requirements are observed and that every vendor has all the necessary documents. This is in the best interests of the residents themselves, because it's about people's health."

It's worth noting that such inspections are especially relevant in the lead-up to holidays, when demand for meat products traditionally increases. It's during this period that unscrupulous sellers often appear on the market, attempting to sell substandard goods.

Police warn that violations of veterinary regulations are subject to administrative penalties. Repeated violations may result in the suspension of the retail outlet's operations, and the confiscation and destruction of merchandise.

During the raid, employees also checked the sanitary condition of counters, refrigeration equipment, and the presence of labels and expiration dates on products. In some cases, inspectors found non-compliance with storage conditions—meat was stored at temperatures above the permissible limit, and some products were missing packaging. On-site, the businesses were given specific instructions to correct the violations.

Veterinary officials noted that in recent years, cases of meat being sold without inspection, especially from private farms, have become more frequent. In such cases, it is impossible to determine whether the animal has undergone veterinary inspection, meaning there is a risk of exposure to dangerous infections, including brucellosis or anthrax.

The leadership of the Yenbekshi police department emphasized that protecting public health is its number one priority. "We will continue to conduct such inspections regularly. Our goal is not only to identify violations but also to foster a culture of responsibility among entrepreneurs for the quality of the goods they sell," the department representative stated.

Finally, police called on city residents to exercise civic responsibility: if citizens notice instances of illegal meat trade, they can report it to the nearest police station or by calling 102.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the police, veterinary services, and local authorities in Shymkent, conditions are being created to ensure that only tested and safe products are sold on store shelves. This ensures the health of city residents and demonstrates the responsible attitude of businesses towards their customers.