Ukrainian Consumer Group Finds Counterfeit Polish Dairy on Kyiv Markets

Maksym Niesmianow, director of the Ukrainian Consumers Union, purchased five dairy items bearing Polish branding at a Kyiv market near the Leśnaja metro station and sent them for laboratory analysis. Four of the five products – Mlekovita butter, Mleczna Dolina butter, Polmlek Perła Warmii cheese and Mlekovita Brie Classic – were found to contain high levels of plant‑based fat substitutes, ranging from about 35% to over 95% of the fat content, indicating they are counterfeit and not genuine dairy.

Only one product, Łaciate Masło Osełkowe Extra butter, tested free of illegal fat substitutes. The counterfeit items lacked Ukrainian language labeling and importer information, prompting the Union to warn consumers about health risks and to plan a formal complaint to food‑safety authorities.