Rosselkhoznadzor has approached the Armenian veterinary service with a formal request to halt the shipment of dairy products into Russia. This development was disclosed by regional sections of the agency, highlighting a shift in how border controls are being enforced amid ongoing safety concerns.
On Friday, officials noted that discussions between the Russian and Armenian veterinary authorities are continuing. The talks focus on the outcomes of a March inspection of Armenian milk processing facilities conducted from the 20th to the 24th. During the negotiations, Armenian veterinary authorities admitted they could not guarantee the safety of dairy products destined for Russia, underscoring the risk perceived by the Russian side.
Rosselkhoznadzor stated: due to the negotiation results and the unsatisfactory findings from the inspection, the agency appealed to the Armenian veterinary service for a suspension of the certification for dairy products starting April 5, 2023. The move aims to prevent potentially unsafe products from entering the Russian market while corrective measures are pursued.
Plans for resuming supplies were also discussed, with an emphasis on Armenian authorities addressing the violations identified during the inspection. The dialogue indicates that progress on safety assurances could influence future shipments and certification decisions.
Earlier in the period, Rosselkhoznadzor reported a separate incident in which the meat from a slaughtered bull in Staroe Aktashevo, a village in the Chuvashia region, was destroyed after contamination with anthrax was detected. The agency stressed the importance of strict disease control and rapid actions to prevent any spread of dangerous animal pathogens.
These developments reflect the broader pattern of heightened scrutiny over animal products bound for the Russian market. Analysts note that trade in dairy and meat products remains closely tied to veterinary assurances and infection-control measures. Officials from both sides have signaled a willingness to keep negotiations open while applying caution to protect animal health and public safety. The situation also underscores the role of independent inspections in shaping regulatory responses for cross-border food trade. In the Russian context, the priority remains ensuring that imported dairy and meat products meet safety standards before reaching consumers, while Armenian producers work to restore confidence through demonstrated compliance and corrective actions.
As discussions continue, stakeholders await formal updates on certification status, potential timelines for resume date, and the specific corrective steps Armenia plans to implement to address the identified violations. The outcome could have implications for shipments, supply chains, and market expectations across both nations, with the possibility of adjustments as new inspection results become available. The focus remains on safeguarding the integrity of food supply chains and maintaining transparent communication between the two regulatory authorities and industry participants.