The National Health and Food Quality Service (Senasa), in a joint work with the highway police from the province of Entre Rios, seized and destroyed 5.6 tons of citrus and tropical fruits that were being transported, without complying with health conditions, and that lacked adequate documentation to vouch for their origin.
During the inspection, the staff from Senasa's Entre Rios Regional Center located in the animal and plant health control station on National Route 14, seized batches of Tahiti lime, coconut, passion fruit, mango, papaya, and ginger.
5,150 kg of the confiscated goods was being transported by cargo truck and the remaining 450 kg in a passenger bus. The goods were found during routine inspections carried out on December 7 and 9, respectively. In both cases, authorities discovered that the merchandise was being transported without any Plant Transit Documents (DTV), mandatory printed papers, and authorized packaging.
They failed to comply with provision DNPV 2/2016, Senasa's Resolution 165/13, the former SAG's resolutions 145/1983, 48/1998, and 554/1983, and constituted a high health risk. In addition, the fruits didn't have a Health National Register of Agricultural Producers (RENSPA) nor the necessary documentation for shipment, Senasa resolution 165/2013, which regulates the transit of citrus in the country and defines the areas according to their phytosanitary status regarding the huanglongbing disease (HLB).
The confiscated fruit was destroyed at the municipal dump of the city of Mocoreta in the province of Corrientes.
The HLB is the most destructive citrus pest worldwide, and so far there is no cure for it. Therefore, it is important to prevent it from entering the country, which can be achieved only by complying with the rules. Senasa reminded transporters that they have to have all the documentation required by regulations to transport fresh fruits.
Senasa carries out controls to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases, to preserve Argentina's animal and plant health status.
They also stated that citizens had a duty to report any suspicions they might have regarding the presence of pests, by contacting the toll-free line 0800-999- 2386 or sending an email to alertahlb@senasa.gob.ar.
Source: diariojunio.com.ar