Russian demand for U.S. chicken is expected to remain strong until that country's cold storage stocks are replenished. Presently only 12 U.S. processing plants are permitted to ship to Russia. The U.S. believes 27 plants should be eligible. Prices are strong, but there is debate over an agreement between the two nations.
The Russians want an assurance from the Obama administration or individual U.S. poultry companies that U.S. plants are not rinsing birds in chlorine. American trade officials argue that an assurance or certification of compliance is not necessary because the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service system is set up to ensure compliance.
Meanwhile, the Russian consumer rights watchdog says it may ban U.S. poultry imports after 550 million U.S. eggs were recalled last week amid a salmonella outbreak. Gennady Onishchenko, Chief of the Watchdog agency, says they are assessing the situation to find out if there is a need to toughen regulations on poultry imports from the United States.
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