Since August last year, 4.5 tons of banned food products have been destroyed by Russia's agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor in the far-eastern Primorsky and Sakhalin regions, the RIA Novosti news agency reported Tuesday, citing the watchdog's press service.
Rosselkhoznadzor inspectors destroyed about 300 kilograms of products of animal origin from the United States, Canada, France and other countries affected by Russia's food import ban.
More than 600 kilograms of Polish apples were confiscated and destroyed in the cities of Vladivostok, Ussuriysk and Nakhodka, RIA Novosti reported.
Some of the products were burned, while others were crushed by bulldozers at municipal landfills.
According to the watchdog's press service, the actions were carried out within the framework of a decree issued by President Vladimir Putin, RIA Novosti reported.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.