April 24, 2008

Russian inspectors find hazardous grain in market

Russian grain quality inspectors discovered 289,300 tonnes of hazardous grain in the Russian market in the first quarter of 2008.

Of the total, around 83,000 tonnes were infested with pests, while over 65,000 tonnes contained unsafe levels of hazardous substances and 136,000 tonnes did not meet quality standards, the Federal Veterinary and Phyto- Sanitary Oversight Service reported.

The authority also disclosed that more than 94,000 tonnes of bad quality grain and grain products were imported into Russia.

Dead pests and excessively high levels of pesticides were found in some grain shipments, the watchdog said.

The grain watchdog inspected a total of 2.788 million tonnes of grain and grain products for safety in the first quarter, including 1.38 million tonnes destined for export.

Some 26,888 quality certificates were issued for commercial shipments of grain and grain products.