August 11 2014, 14:30 RT

Poland asks US to buy apples banned by Russia

Poland has asked the US to purchase the country's apples after Moscow banned all food imports from the EU, the US, and other countries who imposed sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis.

Prior to the full embargo on food exports from the West, Russia’s agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor banned the import of practically all fruits and vegetables from Poland, citing a breach of food safety standards.

"We are interested in a quick decision because the situation is extraordinary," said Poland's ambassador to Washington, Ryszard Schnepf, as quoted by Polish press agency PAP.

He added that he had met with Michael Scuse, a senior official in the US Department of Agriculture, and discussed the opening of the US market to Polish apple producers.

"He told us to begin the procedure,” he said, adding that the next meeting with US agricultural officials is planned for August 18.

Rosselkhoznadzor banned Polish fruits and vegetables from August, saying that they pose a threat to public health due to an excessive amount of pesticide residue levels and the presence of nitrates.