January 11, 2006

Russia steps up import checks on poultry

The processing of imported poultry through Russia's customs is expected to be slowed after the government ruled all poultry imports must be examined by two watchdogs, according to the press service of the federal customs service Tuesday.

The move has been prompted by the bird flu epidemic in Turkey and other countries.

From Tuesday Russian customs would not let poultry into the country without it being inspected by Rosselkhoznadzor, the federal veterinary watchdog.

Further, the imported poultry cannot be allowed to be distributed within the country without being inspected by Rospotrebnadzor, the federal consumer market quality watchdog.