July 27, 2006

New Russian inspection of Norwegian seafood businesses

Russia is having a new round of inspections of Norwegian seafood businesses exporting fresh fish to the country.

The Russian Veterinary Service, in a letter to the Norwegian Department of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs, said its inspectors would be in Norway soon to begin inspections.

Russia did not name the businesses to be inspected, but the Norwegian Food Safety Authority would make this information available as soon as it receives notification

This visit would result in more Norwegian seafood companies being able to resume exports of fresh salmon to Russia, the departmental manager of the Food Safety Authority, Kari Bryhni said.

Russia's Veterinary Services first conducted inspections in March/April this year. Two of the four businesses inspected were permitted exports.

This time, the Norwegian industry has compiled a list of businesses wishing to export to Russia and have asked to be inspected.

The Russians said they would be picking which businesses to be visited.