Alexei Alexienko, of the Russian veterinary agency, said Moscow was dispatching 10 inspectors to work in Poland for two weeks, Polish Radio reported.

The move suggests Russia might lift a ban on importing Polish meat products.

Alexienko said Russians were to be checking how Polish companies control quality of meat exported to Russia.

Moscow media reported EU observers will join Russians in inspecting Polish meat exporting companies, the radio said.

Russia imposed the ban on imports of Polish meat in November 2005 claiming Poland wasn't exporting quality meat and its sanitary conditions were unsatisfactory.