July 21, 2008

Russia has banned beef imports on an Australian slaughterhouse due to detection of prohibited substances.

The slaughterhouse in question is believed to be processing both cattle and kangaroos. Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) said it is a phytosanitary issue, while the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) has been called in to respond to Russia's concerns.

The Russian Agricultural Department has banned beef from slaughterhouses in eight countries after finding prohibited substances in meat imports from those countries, according to Korean news agency KBS.

KBS said meat imports from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Spain will be banned on July 15, while imports from Australia, Argentina and Brazil will be banned on July 21.