Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 10/29/10

Starting Jan. 1, 2011, the Russian Federation will no longer allow the import of frozen processed poultry, a USDA official told attendees here at the North American Meat Processors Association’s annual outlook conference.

Dan Engeljohn, chief policy writer for the agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, volunteered the information when an attendee asked whether Washington has made inroads with Russia with regard to imports of U.S. cooked beef.

“There is no progress with Russia on anything,” Engeljohn responded. “And beginning Jan. 1, there are going to be more problems.”

Frozen processed poultry would, for example, include ground product, he said.

Russia’s goal toward self-sufficiency in food production by 2015 is an indication to the world market that the country is intentionally decreasing imports, Engeljohn said.

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