Grain Quality Assessment Center's functions expanded to all agricultural produce, center renamed

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) - The functions of the Center for Grain Quality Assessment, an agency of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor), have been significantly expanded, and it has been renamed the Federal Center for Safety and Quality Assessment of Agricultural Products, Rosselkhoznadzor said.

Six organizations subordinated to Rosselkhoznadzor have been attached to the center as new branches. The center now has 23 branches and 26 test laboratories.

The test laboratories are accredited to perform a wide range of research and provide services in various areas. These include the safety and quality of grain and products processed from grain; the quality and safety of compound feeds and components for their production; quarantine and plant protection; the safe handling of pesticides and agrochemicals; determining the varietal and sowing qualities of seeds; winemaking; ensuring soil fertility and circulation of animal by-products; research relating to all types of meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, poultry and poultry meat products, eggs and egg processing products, honey and beekeeping products, fish and fish products and aquaculture; research into pathological and biological materials, defining the pathogens of infectious diseases and other areas.

The institution is a methodological and training center, represented in 34 regions by departments for disinfection and veterinary and sanitary treatments accredited by the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA).