Russia Suspends Rice Imports From Thailand As Of May 1

Russian federal food quality watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor
Friday said it was suspending all rice imports from Thailand as of May 1.
 
  The decision comes after a 1,200 metric ton consignment of rice was seized by
Rosselkhoznadzor officials at the port of Novorossiisk because the rice
contained dead grain pests.
 
  Rosselkhoznadzor said in mid-January all rice supplies from Thailand to
Russia until April 1 this year would only be allowed if they were accompanied
by documents confirming compliance with Russian health safety standards.
 
  At the time Rosselkhoznadzor officials visited Thailand, and it was
discovered the local standards of food safety control didn't meet requirements.
 
  Thailand doesn't have a system to monitor the presence of residual dangerous
substances in export rice, Russian officials said, although the country had the
possibility of carrying out such tests.