April 22, 2024
1 min read

Russia warns Pakistan it might ban rice imports over safety concerns

The FSVPS has asked the plenipotentiary and trade representative at the Pakistani embassy in Russia for an immediate investigation into the matter…reports Asian Lite News

Russia has warned Pakistan it might ban rice imports if their phytosanitary concerns are not addressed in future consignments, Dawn reported on Sunday.

The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) of the Russian Federation issued a notification regarding violations of international and Russian phytosanitary requirements over a shipment of rice imported from Pakistan.

The notification, numbered FS-SA-3/6592 and dated April 2, 2024, highlights the presence of a quarantine organism, “Megaselia scalaris (Loew),” in the rice consignment, Dawn reported.

The FSVPS has asked the plenipotentiary and trade representative at the Pakistani embassy in Russia for an immediate investigation into the matter.

A copy of the notice issued by the Russian authorities shows that the FSVPS has asked the relevant official in the Pakistani embassy to prevent such violations in the future and emphasised the importance of adhering to phytosanitary standards to ensure the safety of agricultural products traded between countries, Dawn reported.

Meanwhile, the trade wing of Pakistani embassy in Moscow has forwarded the English translation of the Russian authority’s letter to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) in the Ministry of Food Security and other relevant government offices.

The letter by the embassy to the DPP states, “In view of the above, it is requested that an investigation may be conducted immediately and the results of the investigation may please be shared with FSVPS in order to avoid any possible ban on rice exports in the future.”

Meanwhile, the FSVPS has also sent an official communication to the director of DPP, seeking a higher degree of cooperation in the field of plant quarantine, Dawn reported.

Russia had previously imposed a ban on similar grounds in 2019, which remained in place for around two years. It was lifted after a series of negotiations between officials of both sides. Earlier, in December 2006, Russia also stopped the import of rice from Pakistan for not meeting food safety standards. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Western nations condemn treatment of prisoners in Russia

Previous Story

Thousands protest against over-tourism in Canary Islands

Next Story

‘A Game of Fire’: A Timely Reflection on Partition’s Pain

Latest from -Top News

Modi all set for Japan, China visits

By travelling to both Tokyo and Tianjin within the span of a week, Modi is set to balance strategic partnerships with Japan and cautious engagement with China – two relationships that will

Canada to lift counter-tariffs on US goods

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Ottawa will remove its counter-tariffs on US goods covered under the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), beginning 1 September. The move marks a partial easing of
Go toTop

Don't Miss

‘Wagner troops in Venezuela example of Russia’s meddling’

Protests erupted in the Venezuelan capital the day after President

Lahore sees over 15k cases in one day due to toxic smog 

According to Ary News, Lahore’s hospitals are overwhelmed with patients