March 20, 2007

Russia may restrict poultry imports from Germany

Russia may restrict or ban poultry imports from Germany after it complained of salmonella in chickens from the country.

Russia's food safety agency, Rosselkhoznadzor said salmonella had been found in various chicken products from four German importers,

Russia's ban comes at a time when talks are ongoing to lift Russia's one-year old ban on Polish meat imports. The meat ban has led to a stalemate in talks on new EU-Russia partnership agreement.

Meanwhile, the agency also accused Brazil of hiding information on animal diseases there. Russia restricted imports from five Brazilian companies earlier this month as listeria and salmonella were found in products from the companies.

Russia has also banned imports from certain companies in the United States and France after salmonella was detected.