Russia set to ban US poultry imports Jan 1-USAPEEC

WASHINGTON Dec 31 (Reuters) - Russian officials are set to enforce a measure starting Jan. 1 that could block U.S. poultry from entering the country because of concerns about a commonly used chlorine treatment, a U.S. industry official said on Thursday.

The issue has threatened exports to Russia, the top market for U.S. poultry, for more than a year. A week ago, Russian veterinary officials indicated trade would continue, but Russia's consumer protection agency has decided to enforce the ban, said Jim Sumner, president of the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council.