Over 20 tonnes of Moldovan apples were sent back following a check performed at the Russian customs post “Kupets” in Kursk region. The consignment was to reach a processing factory in Nijnii Novgorod region, IPN reports.

According to a press release placed on the website of Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor), the Oriental fruit moth was detected in the consignment.

Rosselkhoznadzor said the import of Moldovan apples was banned in accordance with the current legislation in a move to prevent the spread of pests on the territory of the Russian Federation.