US blasts Russia's ban on meat imports

US slammed Russia's widening of ban on its meat imports, stating that the disease was not spread through meat products.

Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhodnadzor has barred New York and Ohio to the list of US states of meat exporters. Russia has earlier embargoed meat products from Mexico and three US states -- Texas, Kansas and California -- on increasing number of swine flu cases worldwide.

The US Embassy in a statement said: "(In the) absence (of) any risk to human or animal health, there is no basis for any import restrictions on US meat products related to concern over swine influenza.

The US is seeking for a quick resumption of normal meat trade with Russia.

Russia has also suspended pork imports that are not heat-treated from several Latin American countries and eight other US states.

Under international trade laws, countries are allowed to block imports on health and safety grounds if there is scientific evidence of potential risks.

Russia is one of the US' most important markets, with US exports amounting to US$836 of poultry; US$436 million worth of pork products and US$75 million worth of beef.