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The Latest Sochi Controversy Is...Greek Yogurt?

<p>Is Russian President Vladimir Putin playing games with Americans' yogurt ahead of the Olympics?</p>
Image: Chobani
FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2012 photo, Chobani Greek Yogurt is seen at the Chobani plant in South Edmeston, N.Y. The recent yogurt boom of upstate New York has meant more jobs and more economic activity. But it has not led to a bigger dairy herd in the state, even as mega-producer Chobani reaches beyond New York for some of its milk. (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File)Mike Groll / ASSOCIATED PRESS

Is Russian President Vladimir Putin playing games with Americans' yogurt ahead of the Olympics?

New York Democrat Sen. Chuck Schumer is upset that Chobani yogurt is being held up by Russian authorities instead of making its way to American athletes in Sochi. (Chobani is based in Schumer's home state.)

"Unfortunately, this protein-packed, New York-made food has met a serious roadblock in the Russian Government, thanks to an unreasonable customs certificate, and they will not allow the yogurt into the country," Sen. Schumer said in a Wednesday statement.

He wrote a letter to the International Olympic Committee and the Russian ambassador urging them to allow the yogurt through.

"I understand the need for high food safety standards for dairy products. However, the U.S. government has confirmed that sanitary standards have been met to ensure that this yogurt will be safe for consumption by American Citizens attending and participating in the 2014 Winter Olympics," he wrote. "As the world looks forward to a successful 2014 Winter Olympics, I urge your country's immediate approval of the entry of this shipment of Chobani Greek yogurt."