Russia bans some EU meat.

Over the last two weeks Russia has banned imports of meat from a number EU meat plants. The reason given is the presence of residues from the antibiotics Doxicyclin and Tetracyclin, which Russia does not allow. However, other reports suggest the row is over veterinary certificates. With effect from 30 April, 30 establishments in eight member states were thought to be affected, including some major pig and poultry plants.

The matter has been referred to the EU Commission Services so that it can determine the impact that the Russian decision has in terms of trade. The international press has recently reported Russia’s withdrawal of approval for four important pig meat processors in the US. This withdrawal has the potential to disrupt 20 to 90 per cent of US pig meat exports to Russia.