The trade in fruit and vegetables has become a source of tension between Russia and the EU. Russia has been carrying out inspections in EU countries with a view to signing bilateral deals, and has threatened to suspend trade if certain standards are not met. Russia claims that maximum residue limits in fruits and vegetables are higher in the EU than in Russia, and that in some instances, food produced in compliance with EU law falls below Russian standards. Italy, Latvia and the Netherlands have been asked by Russia to adopt extra measures on pesticide residue requirements. Italy has complained that these measures would be expensive and would make little difference in terms of improving food safety.