In Russia, despite federal laws prohibiting the sale of expired products, a massive shadow market for food past its shelf life is flourishing. As reported by Russian media, wholesale trade in spoiled cheese, meat, and canned goods has become a standard practice. This trend serves as a grim indicator of the deepening socio-economic collapse within the aggressor state.
Offers for expired food—ranging from tons of frozen chicken to soft drinks—are frequently posted in online channels, attracting buyers who resell these items to small businesses, such as low-end fast-food kiosks and bakeries. By purchasing these products at a fraction of the cost, these businesses evade disposal fees while maximizing profit, all at the expense of public health.
Economists view the surge in demand for expired food as a direct symptom of severe poverty and falling disposable incomes among the Russian population. While state propaganda promotes narratives of rising real wages and economic stability, the reality for millions is an existential struggle to afford even basic nutrition. Experts point out that the growth of this “spoiled food” market effectively debunks the Kremlin’s claims of prosperity. Instead of rising wealth, citizens are forced to resort to desperate measures to survive, including risking food poisoning to save money.
The current situation highlights the fragility of the Russian economy, which is increasingly burdened by the regime’s war machine. As the government prioritizes military spending over the needs of its own citizens, the domestic infrastructure—including the food safety net—continues to crumble. This internal economic decay is a consequence of the regime’s long-term policy of prioritizing aggression at the cost of national welfare. Ultimately, the rise of a black market for expired food is a clear signal that the Russian economy is failing, and the standard of living for ordinary citizens is plummeting to levels not seen in decades.