Russian vodka banned in Kazakhstan

Several Russian vodka brands have been prohibited in Kazakhstan for “food security” reasons, according to the country’s Consumer Rights Protection Committee.

As a result, Kazakh authorities have enforced restrictions on the sale of various alcoholic beverages hailing from Russia.

“The alcoholic products do not conform to the food safety requirements of Kazakhstan ,” the Committee said as reported by News.az.

“Such vodka brands as Talka, Empire, Wild Goose, Green Mark, Rye, Russian guarantor of quality, Rublevka, Possolskaya, have been banned in Kazakhstan.”

Several beer brands have also been banned, including Hoegaarden White, Grolsch Premium Lager and Bud.

Last month a Russian politician called for the production process of vodka to be legally defined, despite concerns such a move would have a negative impact on the industry.

Russian vodka has faced much political controversy over the past year, including in March when several small alcohol retailers in the US removed Russian vodka from their shelves over Russia’s bid to seize Crimea from Ukraine.