For the first time this year citrus black spot had been detected in South African fruit entering the EU, the Agriculture Department confirmed yesterday. It said it had notified the producer and withdrawn the production unit from further exports this season. It had also identified and dealt with other fruit types from that unit that had been already in the pipeline.
It said the Dutch phytosanitary authorities had found citrus black spot in a consignment of lemons on Thursday. The department said it had launched an investigation in collaboration with the citrus industry to find the possible cause. Based on the findings, remedial measures would be implemented and all relevant information reported to the EU. Last week the department said: “The EU remains an important market for South African citrus, therefore full compliance with the EU’s import requirements is critical.” – Sapa