Russian Court Shuts Down Spirulina Producer Over Severe Hygiene Violations

A district court in Ekaterinburg has halted operations at Ritmiko LLC for 30 days. The decision came after regulators uncovered serious hygiene breaches at the company’s spirulina production site. Ritmiko, a producer of spirulina supplements, now faces mandatory improvements before resuming work. The suspension follows an unannounced inspection by Rospotrebnadzor, Russia’s consumer watchdog. Investigators found multiple violations at Ritmiko’s facility in the Verkh-Isetsky District. Food products were being packaged, stored, and prepared in the same room, while spirulina raw materials lacked proper documentation. Unmarked items were also discovered in the production area, breaching sanitary regulations. Rospotrebnadzor filed an administrative report under Article 6.6 of Russia’s Code of Administrative Offenses. The agency then secured a court order to temporarily close the business. Ivan Petrov, Ritmiko’s CEO, must now address the issues before the company can reopen. Founded over a decade ago, Ritmiko specialises in spirulina algae products, offering supplements in powder, tablet, pasta, and candy forms. The firm previously showcased its technology at the 2014 Innoprom industrial trade fair in Ekaterinburg. The 30-day suspension requires Ritmiko to correct all identified violations. Until then, production and sales of its spirulina-based goods will remain on hold. The court’s ruling reinforces compliance with food safety laws in the region.