Talks held to resume US turkey exports to Russia

Exports of turkey meat to Russia from the US could restart in about two weeks’ time, according to the results of recent negotiations between the Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselhoznadzor and US veterinary services.

Following talks between the head of Rosselkhoznador, the Russian veterinary authority, Sergey Dankvert, and the US Food Safety negotiator Alfred Almanza, the two sides agreed to consider proposals that include laboratory inspection of meat products for the growth promoter ractopamine.

The programme for inspection and controls is expected within two weeks, after which exports could resume, according to Rosselkhoznador. The program, Dankvert stressed, must provide for a mandatory laboratory control ensuring zero tolerance of ractopamine in products intended for Russian and markets of the Custom Union.

The Russian authorities examined the US proposals and inspected US processing plants last December.

Alfred Almanza called on Sergey Dankvert to also consider inspecting several US companies producing pig meat without the use of ractopamine with the view of restarting pork exports to Russia. It is expected that the US delegation will put in an official request to allow turkey and pork exports to recommence shortly.