Russia Suspends Import of Products of the Finnish Valio

Russian authorities have temporarily banned imports of meat and dairy products from 14 Finnish companies. The reason is violation of Russian sanitary norms.

What exact violations of the Rosselkhoznadzor notification took place is not clear. The restrictions will apply from 23 July 2010.  

According to the Finnish radio YLE,  four plants major suppliers of dairy products to the Russian market - the company Valio and two other companies - Atria and HK Ruokatalo have been banned. 

Finnish newspaper Helsinki Times, wrote that the "forbidden" list includes six companies, and quotes the spokeswoman of the company that the Russian ban touched about 10% of all sales.  

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sirkka-Liisa Anttila reported that officials are considering. She suggested that Russian officials want to consider the problems arising directly with Finnish suppliers.