Russian ban on 30 US pork and poultry facilities

Following inspections by Russian officials last summer, a number of companies have been singled out for decertification.

Among the pork processors, the following are on the banned list: Albert Lea Select Foods; Amity Packing Co.; Fulton Market; Hormel Foods Corp.; Quality Pork Processors; Rupari Food Service; Sioux-Preme Pork Products; and Swift & Co.

In 2006, the US increased its pork exports to Russia following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Brazil which was hitherto Russia’s main pork supplier. US pork exports increased 105% in volume from 2005 to 82,677metric tons. The value also increased 127% during this period to US$164m.

Upon conducting its own investigation under the terms of an existing agreement with Russia, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has the authority to re-certify those facilities in due course.

• Food Safety and Inspection Service