Russian phytosanitary service bans import of 20 tons of apples from Moldova

Chisinau, 5 September /MOLDPRES/- Regional Office of Rosselkhoznadzor for Orlov and Kursk Regions has banned the import of 20.2 tons of apples from Moldova. The batch of apples that would reach the city of Nizhny Novgorod was stopped at Krupet customs office in Kursk region, on the ground that the “Grapholitha molesta Busck” oriental moth was found, according to a press release issued on Monday.

Rosselkhoznadzor notes “in accordance with the legislation in force and to prevent the entry and spread of Oriental moth in Russia, import of the affected batch was forbidden”.

It is already the fourth case in the last two months when Rosselkhoznadzor prohibits the import of Moldovan fruit on the Russian market. In late July, the Russian phytosanitary service destroyed and buried in Smolensk polygon 82 tons of apples from Moldova that would have been transported without necessary phytosanitary documents, and in early August, Oriental moth was found in 19 tons of plums. Also, the Russian authorities returned to Moldova about 7 tons of apricots on the grounds that the fruits would have been infected with moths.

(Reporter V. Bercu, editor M. Jantovan)