AI Detects Food Substitution in Russian Regions
In Tambov region, technology uncovered cheaper fish sold as premium salmon
Inspectors from Rosselkhoznadzor uncovered a case of food substitution at a processing facility in Tambov, where chum salmon was sold as coho salmon. The violation was identified using artificial intelligence algorithms.
Safeguarding Quality
This is not the first case where AI has detected such violations. Earlier reports showed that Rosselkhoznadzor in the Saratov region identified more than 2,000 food safety violations in 2025 using AI. The system flagged cases of unsafe products entering circulation, raw materials of unknown origin, and expired goods.
In the Salsky district of the Rostov region, AI also helped detect irregularities in veterinary certification for dairy products. The Merkuriy (Mercury system) analytical platform identified that a veterinary specialist had issued a certificate with violations.
Rosselkhoznadzor has developed and deployed several digital systems across agricultural sectors. In veterinary oversight, it uses VetIS; for pesticides and agrochemicals, the Saturn system; and for crop production, Argus-Fito. The agency also uses the Inspector mobile app to improve the efficiency and quality of remote inspections.
