Russia suspends imports of Brazilian beef by-products

Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Oversight has temporarily banned imports of beef by-products from Brazil starting Tuesday (Jun 22), the regulator's press office said.

At the same time, the regulator expanded its list of Brazilian companies allowed to supply meat to Russia, by adding Frigol S.A. and Frigorifico Mataboi.

The temporary meat ban follows inspections of 29 Brazilian firms carried out by Rosselkhoznadzor in April and came into force on May 30.

Meat and meat products constitute about 65% of Brazilian exports to Russia, with an estimated annual value of US$2.2 billion.

Brazil is also a key supplier of soy and soy products to Russia.