In a statement, Davies called the threat “protectionist”, saying there was no scientific consensus to support the EU’s claim that fruit from South Africa with the fungal disease could infect European orchards.

South Africa is the main source of oranges for the juice drunk by consumers in Britain, Germany and France during Europe’s summer. Southern European growers fear the fungus could take hold in their citrus groves.

Davies said the ban on South Africa’s citrus fruit was “aimed at restricting highly competitive citrus imports to the benefit of citrus producers in the EU”.

Available: http://www.moneyweb.co.za/moneyweb-south-africa/south-africa-refers-eu-to-wto-over-threat-to-block