January 8, 2013

Russia may lose 42% of all meat imports and face a significant increase in prices if a pre-export inspection for ractopamine on meat products is introduced.

According to experts, the danger to shops, restaurants and cafés lies in the loss of existing contracts.

Wholesalers are also facing considerable financial risk, according to market insiders, with imported products facing the possibility of being destroyed if they fail to pass inspection. Also, all imported meat in 2013 will automatically become 3-4% more expensive, to cover the cost of inspection.

In an official letter, head of Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor, Nikolai Vlasov, explained that this year, it will establish a transition period, during which Russian laboratories will examine imported meat for traces of ractopamine. These checks incur fees and the costs will be added on to the final price of meat on the market.