Russia's largest seafood processors association, Fish Union, warned the country's veterinary agency (Rosselkhoznadzor) Apr. 23 a reported potential ban on fresh fish imports from Norway could take a significant toll on the Russian processing sector, and should be seen only as a last resort to address food safety concerns cited by the agency.
Russia may ban chilled fish from Norway as early as next week over the new concerns, according to Barentsnova.com, citing Russian news reports. Norwegian food safety authorities said Tuesday it had not received confirmation of any ban.
Norway supplies about 40 percent of all fish imported into Russia, a significant part of which is fresh salmon and trout, the union wrote.
"Many Russian fish-processing plants lacking raw materials would have to cut the workplaces and cancel the agreements for supply of fish products to retail chains," the union warned.
