Clara Aguilera asks the European Union for measures against the risks of South African citrus fruits

Socialist MEP Clara Aguilera has asked the European Commission to adopt “urgent measures” against the phytosanitary “risks” of South African citrus fruits that reach the European market. In a written question addressed to the Community Executive, Aguilera recalled that last July, the EU intercepted two cases of the quarantine pest of the false moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in South African citrus fruits that were heading to Europe. These incidents, the MEP pointed out, “demonstrate, once again, the phytosanitary risk that South African citrus fruits pose for European citrus farming.” At the moment, in the case of the black spot, South Africa has already reached 22 detections this year; There are known interceptions of black spot in shipments of oranges from Egypt and it is also expanding in citrus farming in Tunisia. “From the European Parliament we have asked on several occasions that strict measures be taken on citrus imports from South Africa, but since they have not been ...