CBS count effectively re-set
South Africa steps up CBS controls
After the first interception, DAFF notified the producer and withdrew the production unit in question from further exports to the EU in the current season.
Other fruit types from that production unit already in the export pipeline were also identified and were dealt with accordingly.
All consignments of citrus entering the EU from 24 July 2014 onwards must comply with the new EU measures and associated certification required by the EU regarding CBS, as published in the EU on 3 July 2014. The new measures include additional pre-export sampling and inspection requirements. Also, all “Valencia” oranges must have been subject to a chemical symptom expression test.
As all the interceptions so far took place before 24th July the tally has effectively been re-set.
An investigation was launched by DAFF in collaboration with the industry to determine the possible causes for the presence of CBS in this fruit after the first case was discovered.
Based on the findings, remedial measures will be evaluated and implemented, as appropriate, to prevent re-occurrence. As per previous agreement with the EU, all
relevant information will be reported to the EU.
South Africa has gone to great lengths and expense to ensure compliance with EU requirements through its comprehensive CBS risk management system.
This system was further strengthened for the current export season based on detailed investigations of all CBS non-compliances reported in the EU in 2013.
DAFF is committed to compliance with these import measures and to maintaining open channels of communication with the EU.
The EU remains an important market for South African citrus, therefore full compliance with the EU’s import requirements is critical.