Russia has approved a new national standard regulating the production of white bread made from wheat flour, marking the first major update to the specification in decades. The standard was adopted by the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart) through Order No. 380-st dated May 6, 2025, and will enter into force on April 1, 2026.
The new standard replaces the Soviet-era specification GOST 26987-86, which had governed the production of white wheat bread since 1986 following its approval by the State Standard of the USSR. The updated GOST introduces several changes affecting both bread manufacturers and retailers, while modernizing production requirements to reflect current industry practices.
One of the key changes concerns loaf weight requirements. Under the previous standard, bread loaves were required to weigh at least 500 grams. The new regulation removes this restriction, allowing producers to manufacture and sell smaller loaves. This change is expected to provide bakeries with greater flexibility to diversify product offerings and adapt to changing consumer demand.
The updated standard also modifies requirements relating to the shape of bread. While the earlier rules prescribed a more limited range of forms, bakeries are now permitted to use oval molds for base bread production, expanding the variety of bread shapes that can be produced within the regulatory framework.
In addition, the new GOST authorizes the use of certain modern food additives, including antioxidants and enzyme-based ingredients, in bread production. These components are widely used in contemporary baking to improve dough properties, extend freshness, and enhance shelf stability. However, their use may influence the overall quality characteristics and shelf life of the finished product.
Another notable change relates to shelf-life guidance. The previous standard recommended that bread be sold within one day when displayed in retail outlets. The new standard removes this recommendation, giving retailers greater flexibility in managing inventory and product sales. Nevertheless, production requirements remain strict: freshly baked bread must not be stored for more than 10 hours after baking before distribution.
Overall, the updated GOST standard is intended to modernize regulatory requirements for bread production in Russia while providing manufacturers and retailers with greater operational flexibility and aligning the standard with contemporary baking technologies.