April 2, 2007

Russia continues inspections on Brazilian meat plants
 

Though Russia is to complete inspection of Brazilian meat plants in mid-April, it is unlikely that the inspection team will approve new meat exporters from Brazil.

Sergei Dankvert, head of the Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Control Service (Rosselkhoznadzor), denied reports that Rosselkhoznadzor is planning to re-accredit some Brazilian meat plants. He added that Brazilian plants that have violated regulations will be removed from the list of suppliers to Russia.

Dankvert said the disunity between the central veterinary authority in Brazil and the veterinary agencies at the state level indicates the central authority cannot control measures undertaken by these state agencies.

Data from Russia's Agrarian Market Affairs Institute (IKAR) reveals that Brazil exported 254,000 tonnes of beef to Russia in 2006, accounting for 40 per cent of total Russian beef imports.

Argentina, with 23 percent of total beef imports, ranked second.

Brazil also exported 229,000 tonnes of pork to Russia last year, accounting for 37 per cent of total Russian pork imports.