Tougher Rules Placed on EU Meat Imports

RUSSIA - Russia, after recalling its animal health inspectors from the European Union, threatened on Friday to suspend meat imports from some EU countries unless Brussels provides additional quality control guarantees.
calendar icon 5 March 2007
clock icon 2 minute read

The country's animal and plant health watchdog said in a statement that it had asked veterinary services from several EU countries to increase control over exports to prevent violations of Russian safety standards.

"Despite this, some shipments of products of animal origin imported to Russia from Europe in 2007 did not match Russian veterinary standards," the agency said.

The watchdog sent a letter to the European Commission requesting it present by March 31 plans for monitoring residues of dangerous and banned substances in live animals, products and feed. It also requested the results of monitoring last year.

"If the requested data are not provided by some EU countries, the watchdog will be forced to suspend shipments of products of animal origin from these countries," the agency said.

The agency's head, Sergei Dankvert, said Monday that Russia had recalled animal health inspectors from 12 EU countries after the EU had guaranteed safety of food exports.

Source: TheMoscowTimes.com

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