MOSCOW: Russia may impose new food import restrictions next week, reports said on Thursday, in what could be responses to new Western sanctions over Moscow’s support of rebels in Ukraine.

The country has already announced several food import bans following Western sanctions.

Russia’s Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Service (VPSS) may restrict fruit imports from Greece next week, RIA news agency reported, citing the watchdog agency.

VPSS may also suspend US poultry imports next week, Interfax news agency said, citing the same service.

Greece supplied fruit worth $611 million to Russia in 2013, RIA added, citing customs data. Russia imported US chicken meat worth $71m in January through April, Interfax said.—Reuters

VPSS said it had found signs of certain quarantine-linked pests such as moths in Greek nectarines, while US poultry imports may be suspended due to signs of certain antibiotics use, according to reports.

The service could not be reached for immediate comment.

Published in Dawn, August 1st , 2014