economic sanctions

The changes clear the way for Cuban-origin pharmaceuticals to gain U.S. regulatory approval. And instead of special quotas, normal limits on Americans' importation of foreign products will apply.

Parmesan and Dutch cheese, Spanish ham, fruits, vegetables — all reportedly became fodder for the wheels of steamrollers and the flames of incinerators Thursday.

The reaction comes after President Obama signed an executive order on Friday slapping economic sanctions on Crimea, a day after the EU approved similar measures.