On the evening of March 7, the blanket ban on U.S. pork was removed from the Export Library for Russia. The library was updated to indicate that in order for pork and pork byproducts to be eligible for Russia, they must be produced under the AMS Never Fed Beta Agonist QSVP Program.

Eligibility requirements outlined

In addition to meeting all requirements of the Never Fed Beta Agonist QSVP Program, Russia also requires monthly laboratory testing for ractopamine that is conducted under FSIS supervision. (While any establishment producing under the QSVP program must develop an AMS-approved verification testing regime that tests samples at least once per quarter, the monthly testing under FSIS supervision is an additional requirement unique to the Russian market.) For more details on the QSVP testing requirements, visit the AMS Lab Approval Program for Analysis of Beta Agonists webpage.

Two U.S. plants approved, but cold storage situation remains unclear

In addition to these Export Library updates, the eligible pork plant list for Russia was also updated to include two of the three U.S. plants currently registered under the Never Fed Beta Agonist QVSP Program. It is USMEF’s understanding that Russia agreed to restore plant eligibility based on participation in the QVSP program and guarantees provided by FSIS, which is a positive development. It is important to note, however, that no cold storage facilities have yet been reinstated to the eligible plant list. This raises questions about product movement, because all pork exports to Russia must undergo cold treatment for trichinae.

USMEF will report further on this situation as more details become available. If you have questions, please contact Thad Lively or Cheyenne Dixon or call 303-623-6328.