Russia Lifts Ban on Smithfield, Tyson Pork Plants

Russia has lifted a ban on US pork processors Smithfield and Tyson, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.

In 2009 Russia banned most US pork plants after finding traces of banned antibiotics in shipments.

Smithfield’s plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina, has been cleared to export its products to Russia, along with six other slaughterhouses owned by the company, the USDA said.

Two Tyson slaughterhouses and plants run by Seaboard Foods and Triumph Foods have also been cleared in addition to other refrigerated warehouses.

Plants cleared for shipment should meet Russia’s tetracycline and microbiological standards before they resume exports, according to USDA.