Russia to ban pig imports from Germany

Russia is set to ban imports of live pigs from Germany, starting 15 November 2011, as the antibiotic levels in the exported animals were found to be too high, according to the country’s agriculture watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor.

Under current regulation, Germany should refrain from using antibiotics for about 30 days before exporting pork to Russia to ensure food safety, though the guidelines were not applied to exports of live pigs.

Russian veterinary service head Sergei Dankvert said the pig imports will be resumed only if Germany provides assurance it is following the safety guidelines.

Germany exports 350,000 pigs to Russia annually.

Earlier in 2011, Russia temporarily banned German pork imports over a dioxin poisoning scare and again in October, it sent back 25,000t of pork over fears of bacteria infection.