Fifth find of CBS on South African citrus in The Netherlands

What citrus exporters have long feared, now seems to have come true. In the Netherlands, the fifth case of black spot in South African oranges has been found. Earlier, the EU threatened an import ban by the discovery of five cases. The ball is therefore now in the court of the European Commission, which has to decide what to do. According to Dutch importers shipments are still coming in as usual.

The consequences are not to be underestimated. Inge Ribbens from Frugi Venta said that at the first regular meeting where this topic is on the agenda is at the end of end of September. "In the mean time South Africa will have to react to the cases found. There are not expected to be any measures will be taken this season."

Press officer from the NVWA, (Dutch food agency), Tjitte Mastenbroek said that it was the decision of the European Commission whether or not to declare an import ban. "The situation at the moment is that no special measures are in place. When and if these measures have to be taken, we will monitor the situation and give the relevant information, but just now that is not an issue."

Both South Africa and Brazil should get an export ban if five cases are found. Interestingly, the counter in the Argentine citrus is already on seventeen finds. However, they may continue to export.

Author: Izak Heijboer