Russia cites sanitary irregularities and bans the import of dairy products from Armenia. The decision comes into effect on July 27 and adds to a series of trade restrictions imposed by Yerevan in the past two months targeting flowers, vegetables, fruits and alcohol, reports IPN.

The decision was announced by the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselhoznadzor), following inspections carried out at Armenian milk processing enterprises. According to the institution, inspectors reportedly found that some factories were using milk from sick animals, as well as raw materials brought in from outside the Eurasian Economic Union.

Rosselhoznadzor maintains that the measure aims to prevent the penetration of dangerous infections into Russian territory and the marketing of dairy products considered unsafe for consumers.

The ban is the latest in a series of restrictions imposed by Russia on Armenian products, starting at the end of May. Over the past two months, Moscow has progressively limited the import of flowers, vegetables, fruits, greens, grapes, dried fruits, live fish and alcoholic beverages from Armenia. The restrictions also target the transit of these products through Russian territory to other member states of the Eurasian Economic Union.