Russian ban on EU meats 'unjustified', claims EC
products into the country as "unjustified", as processors
and food producers in the bloc face the possibility of losing a
major market for their products.
Russian authorities announced on 3 November at a meeting with commission officials that it might consider imposing an embargo on all meat products coming from within the union, following complaints about the quality of some member states' meat production.
In particular Russia was concerned with the quality of meat products from ascension states like Bulgaria and Romania.
Both countries are currently battling outbreaks of diseases such as classical Swine Fever and Bluetongue.
Earlier this year, a report by Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), claimed that Balkan countries like Bulgaria and Romania were "high risk regions" for the spread of the deadly HN51 influenza virus.
The report added that areas like the Romanian border and Bulgaria - while generally more susceptible to infection - were better equipped to deal with, and contain any outbreaks of the disease than lesser developed countries.
Russia's stance has angered EC officials however, who believe that the union's current policy regarding food safety is sufficient to protect both its domestic and export interests in the meat sector.
"The Commission immediately informed the Russian authorities that any such ban would be totally unjustified, as the Commission has adopted strict transitional measures to protect the animal health and food safety status of the EU following enlargement. These measures would be sufficient to protect third countries as well," said EC spokesperson Philip Todd commenting on the ban.
The news marks increasing tension between the two countries, after Russia imposed a number of bans on food products from various member states including Poland.
Earlier this year, the commission hit back suggesting that in some cases Russia may be playing political games via the food industry.
As a result, EC Commissioner Markos Kyprianou warned Europe's agriculture ministers not to "give any kind of reason to Russia to impose a ban", adding that export controls may need to be strengthened, he said speaking in May this year.
The EU now has more than a €50bn trade deficit with Russia, although Russia remains the bloc's third largest trade partner, according to Commission figures, highlighting the importance of the country's import industry.
To help resolve the issue Todd added that "the Commission has concluded on the basis of 55 inspections in the two countries that Bulgaria and Romania have fully transposed and implemented EU veterinary legislation and ensured its proper enforcement."
Todd suggested that EU officials would happily meet with their Russian counterparts to explain the procedures put in place to protect the meat industry and consumer within the bloc.
"The Commission is still waiting for a response from the Russian authorities", said Todd.
