Rosselkhoznadzor introduced temporary restrictions for surimi import from India

During recent food safety checks of imported products the Russian veterinary and phytosanitary service Rosselkhoznadzor has rejected a 4.5-tonne consignment of surimi mince made in India due to presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the samples checked.

More specifically, as of 21 May 2007 Rosselkhoznadzor has introduced temporary restrictions for import of products made by Indian producer Ap-111.

At the same time, the Russian vets from Rosselkhoznadzor have asked Indian veterinary service to do a similar investigation in order to find out the reasons of the bacterial contamination of the products meant for export to Russia.

Below follows official directive of Rosselkhoznadzor:

Directive No.FS-GK-2/4558 dated 17 May 2007 of Rosselkhoznadzor

In connection with the finding of the Staphylococcus aureus culture in the course of monitoring checks in surimi mince shipped to the Russian Federation from the Indian plant Ap/111, temporary restrictions for shipments of products from this plant to the Russian Federation are introduced as of 21 May 2007.

In view of the aforesaid, it is ordered to conduct checks of the establishments under the veterinary surveillance for products made by the above mentioned company.

On discovery of the products it is necessary to follow the directive of Rosselkhoznadzor No.FS-SD-2/3536 dated 18 April 2007 (Articles 4-6).

The given information is brought to the notice of all the inferior organizations of Rosselkhoznadzor as well as interested companies engaged in foreign trade.