After several batches were found to be contaminated by pests such as fruit flies the European Union member states have decided to ban the import of five types of fruit and vegetable from India. The prohibition, which goes into effect in May, covers mangoes, aubergines, the taro plant and two types of gourd.
The above represent less than 5% of the bloc‘s fresh fruit and vegetable imports from India. The ban, agreed by a committee of experts representing member states, is to be reviewed by the end of 2015.
The commission stated that pests are not native to Europe and were found in 207 fruit and vegetable consignments from the subcontinent last year and they could pose a threat to EU agriculture and production. The commission also added that there were significant shortcomings in the certification systems that prevent contaminated goods from being exported.