Russia Launches Inspections Against Outlets Of French Supermarket Chain

Russian authorities conducted "systematic" inspections at branches of the French-owned supermarket chain Auchan on August 19 after what they said were concerns about poor-quality meat.

The inspections come at a time of tension between France and Russia over the extension of European Union sanctions and France's decision to cancel a deal to provide warships to Russia.

Anna Popova, head of the state consumer protection agency Rospotrebnadzor, said the inspections targeted all of Auchan's stores in Moscow with the support of prosecutors.

Auchan has 19 outlets in Moscow with several more in surrounding areas.

The inspections follow allegations by another Russian government agency that Auchan's pork products had been found to contain DNA from cows, chickens, and horses.

Rospotrebnadzor regularly announces violations against companies from countries with which Moscow is engaged in diplomatic rows.

The Kremlin also banned most food imports from the West after the United States and the EU imposed sanctions against Russia over its activities in Ukraine.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, Interfax, and TASS