A total of 738 tons of illegally imported food has been destroyed since the introduction of a decree in August ordering the disposal of banned Western imports, Russia's agricultural watchdog said Monday.
In an online statement, Rosselkhoznadzor said 676 tons of contraband agricultural produce had been confiscated and destroyed. Another 318 tons of products of animal origin were also confiscated, 62 tons of which were destroyed, the statement said.
President Vladimir Putin signed a decree in July ordering the confiscation and destruction of foods that have been banned for import in retaliation against Western sanctions against Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis.
The new law — which went into effect on Aug. 6 — caused outrage after television footage showed piles of food being bulldozed in a country with rising poverty and a history of food shortages.