November 20, 2006

Russia emphasizes right to control meat imports from US

Russia stressed it has the right to control the quality of pork and beef delivered from the US at bilateral talks on Russia's entry to the WTO, Russian Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev said Sunday (Nov 19).

Russia has insisted on guaranteeing the security of pork and beef deliveries, Gordeyev said. Both countries reached an agreement that saw Russia setting strict controls over quality issues and disease concerns such as mad cow or the fleshworm.

The deal allows Russia to inspect US exporters and authorise those who are allowed to deliver products to Russia, he said.

In accordance to international veterinary standards, the agreement provides the right for Russia to stop the import of such products should there be violations or even suspicions that non-quality and dangerous products were delivered, Gordeyev said.