Lithuania tightens control over import and transit of Russian feed grain

VILNIUS. March 18 (Interfax) - Lithuania as of Monday is implementing stricter control over feed grain imported into the country from Russia and other "high-risk" countries and areas, the country's Agriculture Ministry said.

The ministry specifically said that each railway car and/or vehicle with feed grain intended for both the Lithuanian market and for export through the Klaipeda port would be checked. Products are being checked for the presence of pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and metals (lead and cadmium), the ministry said.

New decisions will be reached in the near future regarding even stricter controls, when the provenance of grain transported through Lithuania will also be checked.

For the time being, only feed grain is being checked according to the new rules, and checking food grain should begin slightly later.

Lithuania's list of "high risk" areas includes Russia, Belarus, Abkhazia, Moldova's self-proclaimed Transnistria Republic, as well as Crimea and several other territories.