Brussels, 28/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 26 March, the European Commission and Russia signed a memorandum on the safety of plant products exported by European Union countries to Russia. The text refers to pesticide residues, nitrites and nitrates. With the signing of this document, the Commission hopes the embargo imposed by Russian authorities on plant products originating from Poland will be swiftly lifted.
The text is to “create mechanisms and a dialogue with Moscow”. It above all sets out the approach to be taken should Russian health authorities discover excessive pesticide, nitrate and nitrite levels in products produced in Community countries. The memorandum recalls that the Codex Alimentarius norms or those of the country of origin are to be applied when there is no maximal residue limit (MRL) foreseen in Russian legislation. The Commission suggests there should be discussion on the stricter criteria fixed by Russia in some cases.
A procedure has been set in place should Russian health authorities discover batches that do not comply with standards. First of all, discussion must be opened between the two parties, then actions must be determined to remedy the problem, and, finally, it is suggested that the categories of products concerned be placed under surveillance (with heightened controls). The procedures must enter into force as of 1 July 2008. Furthermore, Russian authorities may conduct inspections in the Community, but these should first of all be notified to the member states. (L.C.)