Russia barred imports of pigs from Germany starting Nov. 15 because antibiotic levels in the animals' bodies were too high.
German producers should refrain from using medicines for about 30 days before sending animals to Russia so that the antibiotic content is at a safe level for consumers, said Alexei Alexeyenko, a spokesman for Russia's food-safety watchdog.
The import ban will be lifted as soon as Germany's veterinary service shows that required safety rules are being observed, Alexeyenko said. Germany exports up to 350,000 pigs to Russia a year, according to the service's figures.
(Bloomberg)