Team USA may have to fuel up for the winter games with a not-so-completely balanced breakfast.
A trade dispute with Russia has blocked a shipment of New York-made Greek yogurt intended for American athletes and some NBC crew members at the 2014 Winter Olympics, which kicked off Friday in Sochi.
Chobani Inc., based in New Berlin, said 5,000 cups ”“ blueberry, strawberry and peach, according to a press release ”“ are being held in refrigerated storage in Newark, N.J. until a diplomatic resolution can be reached. So far, Russia”™s agricultural oversight department hasn”™t blinked.
The Cold War era-esque standoff looks to have hit a stalemate despite the intervention of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat, who wrote a letter to Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak asking to allow the one-time shipment. The senator said the yogurt would only be eaten by Americans.
“Chobani yogurt is safe, nutritious and delicious,” the senator said, “and the Russian authorities should get past ”˜nyet”™ and let [Chobani] deliver their protein-packed food to our athletes.”
Schumer”™s letter and ensuing media coverage led to a written statement by the Russian ambassador, who said the country required that yogurt and other dairy products meet strict certification requirements. The U.S. has not complied with Russian law, but the USDA was willing to back the safety of the Chobani shipment, according to Schumer.
The yogurt cups remained in storage as the opening ceremony began Friday, their expiration dates ticking closer.
