Putin orders ‘destruction’ of Western foods

In the latest move of an international sanctions war, Russia has ordered the “destruction” of all food brought into the country against import bans on Western products.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev approved Friday a decree signed earlier this week by President Vladimir Putin, The Telegraph reported.

The decree includes detailed plans to destroy embargoed “agricultural products, raw materials and food products,” from the United States, the European Union, Australia, Canada and Norway if they are found being smuggled into Russian territory.

Customs officers are expected to seize mountains of important cheese, beef, carrots, etc., which will be thrown into incinerators beginning Aug. 6, The Telegraph reported.

“Unfortunately the amount of products arriving here in violation of the Russian embargo is actively increasing,” Dmitry Peskov, Mr. Putin’s spokesman, said in comments carried by Russian media. “These products and goods are on Russian territory illegally and we are obliged to take action to stop it. Any contraband is harmful,” he said.

The import bans were part of sanctions imposed in 2014 in response to Western sanctions on Russia following the crisis in Ukraine. The food bans have greatly affected the lives of Russian citizens who were among the largest importers of European goods.

The embargo was recently extended for another year until August 2016.

The ban covers fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, fish, and most meat. Exemptions from the ban include alcoholic beverages, cured meats and cereal products. Food brought in by individuals for their personal use is also exempt, The Telegraph reported.

The decree says that the destruction of the goods must take place in the presence of at least two “disinterested persons” and be photographed and filmed with images showing the time and date of destruction.

The good may be destroyed “in any way possible that meets mandatory requirements,” the document says, according to The Telegraph.

Mr. Putin has touted the embargo as an opportunity to boost domestic agricultural production.