Russia Lifts Part of Brazilian Beef Ban

RUSSIA - Russia has lifted a ban on beef from two more states in Brazil -- the world's No. 1 beef and chicken exporter -- which went into effect in December after foot and mouth disease was detected in Brazilian cattle.

6 October 2006

1 minute read

Europe

A statement posted on the Agriculture Ministry's Web site Thursday said that Russia -- which is Brazil's second-largest beef market after the European Union -- had lifted a ban on raw beef and beef products from the states of Goias and Sao Paulo.

Russia had earlier lifted a ban on imports from Rio Grande do Sul in April.

In December Russia stopped importing beef and pork from Mato Grosso do Sul and Parana states, where foot-and-mouth disease was found on ranches. It later expanded its ban to include the neighboring states of Mato Grosso, Goias, Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo and Santa Catarina.

The ban remains in effect in five states.

Source: moneycentral.msn.com