by International Business Times / Connor Adams
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The EU’s move reflects concern about South Africa’s ability to sufficiently contain the scourge of the citrus black spot (CBS) disease.
The EU has taken steps in the past to restrict imports of South African citrus in hopes of avoiding contamination. But the restrictions introduced Tuesday evening by The European Standing Committee on Plant Health and slated to be approved by the full Commission in coming days impose a new regime of strict standards and inspection requirements on South African citrus exporters.
Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, a U.K. industry trade group, called the new restrictions “very draconian.” He warned they could lead to higher prices and decreased citrus availability, which could prompt consumers to “get out of the habit of considering produce” at the supermarket if the EU eventually goes to an outright ban on South African citrus.
