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Russian watchdog detects high benzpyrene level in Latvian sprats

MOSCOW, January 13, 16:48 /ITAR-TASS/. Russian veterinary authority, Rosselkhoznadzor, has detected a high presence of benzpyrene rate in Latvian sprats, the watchdog's report goes.

The consignment of hazardous canned fish produced by SIA Randa, Klavas, Rojas pagasts, Rojas novads was discovered during a veterinary check on the border.

“Laboratory research has indicated an excess of the maximum permissible level of carcinogen benzpyrene, which violates the requirements of the Customs Union and Russia,” the report says adding that even tiny amounts of the substance jeopardizes health as it tends to accumulate in the human body. The watchdog has introduced tighter laboratory control and instructed its regional offices to take measures to keep the substandard products from the market.

Previously, benzpyrene was detected in sweets manufactured by the Ukrainian corporation Roshen and Moldavian wines and brandies.

Even though benzpyrene is a carcinogen, some regulatory documents allow for a certain maximum permissible level. For instance, the Customs Union’s regulation stipulates 0.002 milligrams in one kilogramme for fat and oil products and 0.0002 milligrams in 1 kilogramme or declares it unacceptable for baked products.

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