Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the law "On Food Security" on February 3. The text of the document has been published in the Lex.uz database.
The law addresses measures to ensure that citizens have access to food products "that possess nutritional value in accordance with energy and biochemical needs." Its implementation encompasses the introduction of market mechanisms in this area.
One of the main principles in this sphere is stable provision of the population with essential types of socially significant food products. The Cabinet of Ministers will determine their list.
The government is also tasked with approving the food balance for the year. This refers to a system for assessing and calculating the prospects for providing socially significant products, which will outline the sources to meet domestic demand.
The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for developing the food balance. It will include information on the supply of socially significant products to the people of Uzbekistan, as well as the maximum and optimal provision of the food market with products and raw materials.
The food balance is developed based on the consumption norms for products, which must be approved by the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee. This agency will also oversee the control of food products produced using genetic modification.
Information about the food balance will be included in the database on food security maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture. Additionally, it should reflect data on production, consumption dynamics, import, export of products, and the implementation of targeted programs.
To prevent shortages, the law specifies that domestic production of the main socially significant products must account for at least 80% of annual domestic demand.
The Ministry of Agriculture is tasked with developing proposals for expanding the range of products, diversification, and import substitution. Another responsibility of the ministry will be to implement measures to stabilize the food market and mitigate price fluctuations.
Food producers are required to utilize safe and resource-saving technologies. In turn, consumers should "rationally" use products and adhere to the legislative requirements in the field of food security.
The law will come into effect six months after publication — starting August 6, 2025. By that time, a procedure for maintaining the food security database is to be developed.
Earlier, Spot reported that trans fats in food products may be restricted in Uzbekistan.