Updated 07:40 p.m. Moscow Time
MOSCOW, October 20 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is introducing temporary import restrictions on cattle, swine and poultry by-products from Europe, including fats, starting October 21, the country's agriculture watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said Monday.
"Starting October 21, temporary restrictions are introduced on certain types of food imports from the European Union, including cattle and swine by-products, meat meals, as well as cattle, swine and poultry fats," the watchdog said in a statement.
Explaining the reasons for the interim restrictions, Rosselkhoznadzor noted that pathogenic germs and heavy metals have been repeatedly detected in the food imports from a number of producers. The watchdog expressed particular concern over the content of the antibiotic chloramphenicol, which is prohibited in the European Union.
On August 7, Russia introduced a ban on the import of foodstuffs from the United States, the European Union, Canada, Australia and Norway. The embargo targeting the import of meat, fish, dairy, fruit and vegetables came in response to several waves of sanctions implemented against Russia by the US and its allies over the country's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis. Moscow has repeatedly denied the allegations and called the measures counterproductive.
