Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajić told RTS that Serbia barely evaded a “red card” when it comes to the export of meat to Russia. Worms were found in the shipping containers, and not in the meat, said the Minister, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

(Screenshot from the Minister’s interview on RTS)

Speaking as a guest on the RTS news program, Ljajić said that this was the result of the “negligence and stupidity” of one of our exporters and not the deliberate intent to deceive anyone but that regardless of the intentions there are major consequences. The investigation will determine whether there was repackaging of meat imported from third countries.

Ljajić said that the Russian side expressed understanding, although there were grounds to ban the export to Russia.

“Their inspectors will come here; they will control the process and give instructions to our exporters on how to act. We translated 4500 pages of new regulations and declarations from Russian in order to be able to meet the standards for exporting meat to the Russian market”, said the Minister, adding that the rules must be strictly observed.

The inspector, who was in charge of the export control, was suspended, said Ljajić, pointing out that the issue was resolved at the last moment.

The Minister of Trade said that we cannot compromise our reputation because of any failures because Serbia is the only country that has the right to export to Russia.

“The standards are high. The control will be stricter. We are establishing electronic control with the Russian Veterinary Directorate, and there will be timely reporting on all deliveries of meat”, said Minister Ljajić.