DSS Confirmed the Detection of Antibiotics in Eggs from Yasensvit and Ovostar Union

The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (DSS) has officially confirmed that most reports in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) regarding the presence of antibiotics in Ukrainian-produced eggs pertain to LLC “Yasensvit,” while one concerns LLC “Ovostar Union.”

This is reported by AgroReview

Details of Inspections and Violations Found

According to the agency, from January 1 to October 15, 2025, five reports were received through the RASFF system regarding the detection of residues of nitrofuran metabolites in eggs: four cases involved LLC “Yasensvit,” and one involved LLC “Ovostar Union.” These companies are key players in the Ukrainian market, with “Yasensvit” being part of the agricultural holding “Ovostar Union,” one of the largest in Ukraine and Europe.

The DSS clarified that this concerns the detection of 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ) — a marker metabolite of the nitrofuran antibiotic furazolidone, which is prohibited for use in the production of animal-derived food products. According to the Ministry of Health Order No. 2646 dated December 23, 2019, and the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 180, maximum permissible levels for this substance are not established, and therefore, its presence in products constitutes a violation.

Investigation Results and Export Consequences

Following the receipt of relevant reports, the territorial bodies of the DSS conducted unplanned inspections with sample collection. According to the results of the inspections:

• certification of eggs for export has been temporarily suspended,
• non-compliant products have been withdrawn and destroyed,
• no signs of intentional use of prohibited substances were found.

“Based on the analysis of production documentation and internal control at the enterprise, no signs of intentional use of prohibited substances were found. The investigation is ongoing,” the agency stated in its response.

According to recent studies, no residual amounts of furazolidone were found in the samples of the collected eggs. As of November 2025, the official investigation is ongoing, and supplies from the enterprises remain restricted.

International Context of the Incident

In August 2025, the French association CNPO reported several alerts in the RASFF system due to the detection of antibiotics banned in the EU in batches of Ukrainian eggs. Following this, the Association “Union of Poultry Farmers of Ukraine” announced a temporary suspension of exports from one of the enterprises.

In response to the inquiry, “Ovostar Union” stated that it had not supplied products to France and regarded the remarks from European partners as competitive rather than sanitary. The company did not provide additional clarifications.