Russia reports phytosanitary threat from Armenia

Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) has reported that it had revealed 72 cases of detection of quarantine pests in flower, fruit and vegetable products coming from Armenia in 2023.

From November 24 to 26, infected flowers, cucumbers, dried fruits, grapes, cauliflower, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, apples, pears, accompanied by phytosanitary certificates issued by the Inspection Body for Food Safety of the Republic of Armenia were detected upon importation into Russia, News.am reports, citing a Rosselkhoznadzor report.

In addition, it was revealed that objects considered quarantined for the EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) member countries were identified in the following plant products: Eastern codling moth (Grapholita molesta (Busck), Pepino mosaic virus, Tomato brown rugose fruit virus), Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergand).

In addition, in November, five cases of exceeding the maximum permissible levels of pesticide residues were detected in tomatoes, strawberries, apples and grapes from Armenia, which may indicate that the producers violated pesticide application regulations.

The reason for the infected products entering the Russian territory is weak control by the Food Safety Inspection Authority of Armenia, which poses a threat to the phytosanitary welfare of Russia.

Rosselkhoznadzor has notified the competent Armenian authority of all violations, but the Service has not yet received information on the investigations carried out.

“Given this situation, Rosselkhoznadzor sent an official letter to Armenia with a request to immediately take comprehensive measures to prevent the shipment of contaminated products to Russia and to inform the Russian agency about the work carried out in this regard.

Moreover, phytosanitary control at the border is carried out as usual, the rules of inspection and clearance of cargoes coming from Armenia have not changed," Rosselkhoznadzor said in a statement.