EC demands response after Russia bans vegetable imports

The European Commission has demanded an explanation from Russia after it banned imports of fresh vegetables from EU countries over a deadly bacteria scare.

The Russian market is worth between €3bn and €4bn in annual EU products exports.

The EU says the Russian decision is disproportionate.

Spain is now seeking compensation after the deadly bacteria outbreak in Germany was wrongly blamed on Spanish cucumbers.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Spain had an ambitious task ahead to recover its reputation.

The EU Commission last night lifted its warning to consumers over Spanish cucumbers that had been suspected of causing the outbreak of E.coli that has killed at least 17 people.