Gennady Onishchenko, who lost his post of head of the Federal Consumer Protection Service on Wednesday, created a number of foes — and headlines — during his years serving as Russia's outspoken chief sanitary inspector.
As he moves out of the limelight to become an adviser to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, let's take a look at some of his most memorable public warnings.
1. Bad watermelons
Medvedev approving the melons grown at the Grachinoye collective farm in the Saratov region during a visit as president. (Dmitry Grishkin / Vedomosti)
Watermelons are of particular concern to Onishchenko, who has made several statements about them over the years, Notably, he has cautioned Muscovites to beware when buying them out of town and to ask for certification documents from vendors if there are any doubts.
2. Overconsumption of pancakes
Quark pancakes with blackberries, a Russian favorite. (Susanica Tam / Wikicommons)
During pancake week, Onishchenko urged the public to quit their annual pancake binge on Sunday, to ask for forgiveness, and to give up protein-rich delights like meat. He said in 2013 that "monitoring the quality of pancakes has shown that they are not poisonous. If you are afraid to ruin your waistline, then eat less."
3. Taking naps
Men catching a quick snooze on a metro train after a long day at work. (Vladimir Filonov / MT)
"I've never used the word 'siesta,' I think it's a swear word," Onishchenko said in 2010.
4. Making babies over the New Year holidays
Grandfather Frost will have more presents to deliver if Onishchenko's advice is not followed. (Tom Soyer / VKontakte)
The long New Year's break is the perfect time for family planning, and Onishchenko knows it. In January 2013, he cautioned: "This is the most opportune time. But we need to remember that if you have previously engaged in the worship of the pagan god Bacchus, drinking, then do not. We do not want children."
5. Swine flu
A prize hog being inspected at a Moscow show. (Vladimir Filonov / MT)
Whether out of respect or fear of these snoutish creatures, Onishchenko once warned the public during a swine flu scare that "the pig is very close to the human‚ not in terms of intellect, but in terms of physiology."
6. Sushi
A Japanese meal at a restaurant like Oki-Doki might sound tempting, but it is not recommended. (D. Abramov / Vedomosti)
With the popularity of sushi in Russia, Onishchenko warned last year that diners should beware of eating raw fish and instead cook their fish to avoid worms. He advised against mixing fashion with one's diet, and not to follow trends.
7. Vacationing abroad
Balloons floating above Zheleznovodsk, a popular Russian spa town in the Stavropol region. (Wikicommons)
In July 2012, Onishchenko advised against going abroad for vacations to minimize the shock a Russian's body might suffer when reacting to different climatic conditions. He especially cautioned the elderly to avoid countries with a different climate.
8. Making tea with Moscow snow
Medvedev enjoying a hot cup of tea, presumably not made with melted snow. (Dmitry Grishkin / Vedomosti)
Onishchenko once spoke about how much better melted snow is for tea compared to the hard water from taps. But then he warned Muscovites not to consume freshly fallen snow from the streets of Moscow, despite how fresh and pristine it might look. He said pollution and other contaminants that might be present.
9. Dressing inappropriately
Bad Balance, one of the first hip-hop acts to emerge from the Soviet Union, had a huge influence on street music and fashion in Russia. (Andrey Bekrenyov / VKontakte)
In the summer heat of 2013, Onishchenko chided men for exposing their bellies, saying, "It is aesthetically not a good sight." He also spoke about seeing a young man at the Kremlin with his pants drooping below his knees and, while acknowledging the need for good ventilation, stopped short of giving his approval to the fashion statement.
10. Slothfulness
Laziness must be prevented, Onishchenko says. (half alive - so zzzz / Flickr)
Onishchenko once complained that men tend to be lazy: "At home, men are doomed to extinction … They're only allowed to lie in front of the TV and not get in the way."
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.