Russia Restricts Meat Imports
RUSSIA - Temporary restrictions have been imposed on meat imports from eight countries due to banned substances and/or to help domestic producers.
15 July 2008
2 minute read
RIA Novosti reports that Russia has imposed temporary restrictions on meat imports following the discovery of banned substances.
Restrictions that apply to specific companies in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Spain come into force today, while those on companies in Australia, Argentina and Brazil apply from 21 July.
The regulator has also stepped up monitoring of several US poultry exporters after laboratory tests showed the presence of heavy metal salts in the firms' products.
Earlier this week, media reports said the Russian government was considering a ban on meat imports above the existing quotas as a measure to protect domestic producers. Analysts say the move would send domestic meat prices up.
The quota for meat imports in 2008 stands at 445,000 tonnes. European Union states are the main suppliers to Russia. About 300,000 tonnes of meat was supplied to the country above the quota in January-May 2008, according to the National Meat Association and reported by RIA Novosti.
