Russia lifts ban on California beef, poultry

CHICAGO, June 5 (Reuters) - Russia has lifted its ban on beef and poultry from California, but has retained its ban on the state's fresh and frozen pork, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Friday.

Russia banned beef, pork, and poultry from California on April 21. No reason was given for the ban, but it was assumed to be in reaction to the outbreak of swine flu here among humans.

Russia this week banned fresh and frozen pork from Utah as well as from two Tyson Foods Inc (TSN.N) plants. The Tyson plants are in Columbus Junction and Waterloo, Iowa. (Reporting by Bob Burgdorfer)