Russia may ban Greek food imports

Russia's Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Service (VPSS) may restrict fruit imports from Greece next week, RIA news agency reported, citing the watchdog agency. VPSS may also suspend U.S. poultry imports next week, Interfax news agency said, citing the same service.

Greece supplied fruit worth $611 million to Russia in 2013, RIA added, citing customs data. This means that if restrictions go ahead, it could be devastating for Greek exports in a time during which the country is desperate for glimpses of economic recovery. Russia imported U.S. chicken meat worth $71 million in January through April, Interfax said.

VPSS said it had found signs of certain quarantine-linked pests such as moths in Greek nectarines, while U.S. poultry imports may be suspended due to signs of certain antibiotics use, according to reports.