They urge the EC to take urgent measures against the phytosanitary risks of South African citrus fruits that reach the European market

Socialist MEP Clara Aguilera has asked the European Commission to react to the pests that are affecting South African health products and that are destined for the European Union. In a written question addressed to the Community Executive, Aguilera recalls that last July, the EU intercepted two cases of the quarantine pest of the false moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in South African citrus trees that were headed to Europe: one located in a shipment of oranges and another of grapefruits. These incidents, points out the MEP, "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. In addition, interceptions of black spot are already known in shipments of oranges from Egypt. This quarantine pest is also spreading in Tunisian citrus. "From the European Parliament we have asked on several occasions that strict measures be ...