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Mexico ready to comply with RF meat supply requirements

Mexico has notified us today that it strictly complies with everything

SKOLKOVO, December 17 (Itar-Tass) — Mexico has declared readiness to comply with Russia’s demands for the absence of the feed additive ractopamine in meat it supplies to the RF, head of the Russian Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Monitoring Service (Rosselkhoznadzor) Sergei Dankvert told reporters on Monday.

“Mexico has notified us today that it strictly complies with everything,” he said, adding that a similar confirmation has been also received from Brazil.

“The Canadians earlier announced that they had given the confirmation, but after they apparently consulted with the Americans, they became hesitant,” he added. Dankvert stressed that the “Americans do not enter in the negotiations.” “It is necessary to understand that this issue is being politicised, but not duly settled,” he said.

Rosselkhoznadzor last week notified the veterinary services in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Brazil that starting from December 7 they are required to export to the RF pork and beef only after their products undergo laboratory tests for the presence of the feed additive ractopamine.

This stimulator of muscle growth of animals is used in the United States and Canada. This feed additive is used to promote leanness in animals raised for their meat and to save on fodder. However, its application is fraught with side effects and is illegal in many countries, including China, India and the European Union member states, in addition to Russia. The studies made by American scientists have shown that animals fed with ractopamine are bad in breeding and are not intended for breeding.

The Rosselkhoznadzor head also said he does not see any reason for a meat deficit in the RF. “For two or three months the shortages are out of the question,” said Dankvert. According to him, Spain may increase its pork supplies filling the gap created by the United States.