The ban comes in the wake of Ecuador's decision to transfer arms, including Soviet-era helicopters, rocket launchers, grenade launchers, and anti-aircraft missile systems, to Ukraine, which was announced just over a week ago.
The ban was prompted by a sudden inspection by Rosselkhoznadzor. The inspection revealed the presence of the Mediterranean fruit fly in shipments from five major Ecuadorian agricultural enterprises.
Specifically, Russia will no longer purchase bananas from companies such as Agzulasa, Don Carlos Fruit, Agroaereo Fruit Export, Asociacion de Produccion Agropecuaria de el Oro (Asoproagroro), and Comercializadora de Banano.
The agency plans to inspect Ecuadorian pineapples for parasites and pesticides as well.
To mitigate the impact on the domestic market, fruit imports will be increased from the Philippines, Guatemala, Colombia, and Kenya.
Meanwhile, bananas have already made it to the list of the most expensive products in January. In Tyumen of Russia for instance, their prices rose by 53%, surpassing meat, vegetables, and other fruits.
source: patrioty.org.ua / yamal-media.ru