Vietnam to return Russian grain with weed seeds as of Nov 1
MOSCOW. Sept 14 (Interfax) - Vietnam will return Russian grain starting November 1 if it finds that the grain contains thistle seeds, Russian plant and animal health watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor reported, citing a notice received from the plant protection department of Vietnam's Agriculture Ministry.
Vietnam, a major buyer of Russian grain, has complained in 2017 and 2018 about finding thistle seeds in Russian grain and it being infested with grain weevil as a result.
"On September 6, 2018, the Vietnamese side informed Rosselkhoznadzor that, as of November 1, 2018, if Russian wheat is received with thistle seeds such shipments will be returned. The notification also states that stricter measures might be taken," the watchdog said.
In light of this, Rosselkhoznadzor deputy head Yulia Shvabauskene held a meeting with grain exporters in Krasnodar on tightening control over the quality and safety of grain shipped abroad. The meeting discussed the need to strictly comply with the requirements of importing countries.
The meeting also discussed complaints from other countries, including Indonesia.
It was reported earlier that, in light of these complaints, Rosselkhoznadzor has issued additional orders to its regional divisions and subordinate institutions. This refers to the fact that grain shipments for Indonesia can only be inspected by four Rosselkhoznadzor laboratories accredited by this country's Agriculture Ministry.