April 25, 2013

The deputy head of the Russian veterinary watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, Yevgeny Nepoklonov, has informed the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) that live nematode larvae was found in a Norwegian shipment of chilled cod liver.

"During the monitoring of residues of banned and harmful substances, live larvae of nematode Anisakis simplex were detected in the consignment of chilled cod liver imported from Norway to Russia. The products were manufactured by Norwegian Establishment No. F 352 (Tobø Fisk AS)," the letter, addressed to Director General of Mattilsynet Harald Gjein, explains.

The Rosselkhoznadzor announced that temporary restrictions will be introduced on the imports from the Norwegian establishment in question, starting on May 3, 2013 -- and may even halt chilled fish imports from Norway altogether as the country "systematically violates norms and quality standards of Russia."

According the Rosselkhoznadzor, the government body held talks with the Norwegian Agency for Food Safety (Mattilsynet), which is in charge of fish products supplies. However, an agreement was not reached. It is for this reason that the Russian veterinary watchdog is currently considering the suspension of all chilled fish imports from Norway.

Rosselkhoznadzor is currently waiting for Norway to enforce better quality control of fish products bound for export.

Russia is Norway's top destination for fish exports.