There is no political basis for restricting the import of Georgian beverages – Maria Zakharova

According to Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, the restriction on the import of beverages produced by certain Georgian companies into Russia has no political basis.

Zakharova stated that this matter does not fall within the purview of the Russian Foreign Ministry; rather, it relates to the activities of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing—known as "Rospotrebnadzor."

"This is not an issue for the Russian Foreign Ministry. It is a matter for Rospotrebnadzor. The agency's task is to assess whether products meet the safety requirements in force in our country and to prevent the import of goods produced by unscrupulous manufacturers." "This concerns the routine, day-to-day operations of the relevant agency, aimed at identifying substandard products," stated Zakharova.

She added that the imposed restrictions apply to specific companies, and characterizing this decision as having a political dimension is groundless.

"We see attempts to turn a completely routine procedure into a political issue and to speculate on the subject. There is nothing to look for here; there is no political subtext. I believe this is all just speculation," noted the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.

According to Zakharova, the supply of products from Georgian companies to the Russian market continues, with violations identified at only a few enterprises.

"Dozens of Georgian companies supply goods to Russia. Violations were found at only a few facilities. All others continue to operate in our market without any issues—a market that is a priority for Georgia," she stated.

For context: Russia has announced restrictions on the import and sale of certain beverages produced in Georgia. According to Rospotrebnadzor, a temporary sanitary measure came into effect in the Russian Federation on October 9, aimed at suspending the import and circulation of certain food products.

The restrictions apply to products from the companies Teliani Veli, Tbilvino, Askaneli Brothers, Wineman, and the Georgian Beer Company, as well as Coca-Cola produced in Georgia and the mineral water "Nabeghlavi," produced by the company Healthy Water.

The Russian side stated that the restrictions were imposed due to the products' failure to meet established requirements regarding organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics, as well as safety standards.