Russian Consumer Watchdog Threatens to Ban Bourbon

Rosportrebnadzor, Russia’s consumer watchdog, is threatening to ban Kentucky Gentleman bourbon, according to the NASDAQ. Today, the organization released a statement saying “the beverage had trace of phthalates, which could lead to cancer and fertility problems among other health issues.” Barton 1792 Distillery, which produces Kentucky Gentleman, could not be reached for comment. 

Kentucky Gentleman is not the only product Rosportrebnadzor seeks to ban. Over past few weeks, the watchdog has threatened to ban poultry from the United States, as well as McDonald’s products and fruits produced from the European Union. The organization’s threats to ban foreign imports have coincided with the recent political tensions between the West and Moscow. [NASDAQ] [Photo: Flickr/josef.stuefer]