In May, Europe's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) detected the Phyllosticta citricarpa fungus, which causes Citrus Black Spot disease, in two shipments of lemons from South Africa.
In May, authorities also intercepted two shipments of avocado and eggplants infected with the quarantine pest Thaumatotibia leucotreta, which poses another latent risk that could affect important crops such as citrus, avocado, pomegranate, and kaki, among others.
In a recent report, EFSA made it clear that it's moderately likely that Phyllosticta citricarpa establishes in Europe because susceptible hosts are widely available and environmental conditions in many EU citrus growing areas are suitable for the production, spread, and infection of this pest. The IVIA also insists that the Mediterranean basin is climatically suitable for the development of Phyllosticta citricarpa and, therefore, for the development of black spot on citrus fruits, and that climate is not a limiting factor for its establishment and spread in Europe. In Tunisia, black spot has been present since 2019.
May data on interceptions with unauthorized active substances is not much better. Interceptions of fruit and vegetables from third countries with active substances that are not authorized in the EU or that exceed the authorized MRL are up 20% over the previous year, going from 60 interceptions in May 2024 to 72 in May 2025.
In the first five months of this year, the figure increased by 5%, going from 364 in 2024 to 383 this year. The increase in avocados is significant, with a 150% increase in May. There were five interceptions from Peru with chlorpyrifos and cadmium. All the shipments intercepted had traces of active substances that producers in the EU are not authorized to use or that exceed the MRL authorized in the EU. It is clearly unfair competition and a potential health hazard for consumers.
For more information:
Carles Peris
La Unió
Tel: +34 658 92 89 23
Email: [email protected]
https://launio.org