Indian grapes

UK industry body the Fresh Produce Consortium says it is awaiting clarification on the possible future of this year's Indian grape deal in the country after the mid-April discovery of an active substance not covered by the EU pesticide residue monitoring system threw into doubt the future of the Asian country's multi-million euro grape export deal in Europe.

The FPC confirmed it had received industry guidance from the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD), the official body which deals with pesticide approvals and use in the UK, regarding existing stocks of Indian grapes containing residues of Chlormequat chloride.

CRD, which is today (4 May) due to review the situation regarding Indian grapes due for sale in the UK after this week, has adopted a discretionary approach to Indian grapes already in circulation in the country, allowing them to be distributed and sold even they exceed the statutory maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.05ppm.

That statutory MRL is a default level imposed by European authorities whenever a bespoke MRL does not exist, as in the case of Chlormequat chloride for use on Indian grape vines.

But the FPC made it clear that this discretionary approach applies only to goods in free circulation in the UK as of 30 April 2010.

"All other goods yet to be placed on the market must comply with the statutory MRL for Chlormequat in grapes," a spokesperson for the FPC advised.

The FPC is now seeking clarification from the CRD that the temporary lifting of a ban on Indian grapes would apply for any goods in free circulation in the UK, goods awaiting customs clearance, and any stocks due to arrive in the country during the first week of May.

In addition, the FPC has asked for the directorate to clarify its position with regard to grapes already shipped from India but due to arrive after the 7 May, or goods not yet shipped but part of an existing commitment to supply a UK-based customer.

"We have no indication that CRD's position will change in any way," the spokesperson said. "However, we aim to provide more evidence of volumes and value of goods held in the UK awaiting customs clearance and goods in transit from India."

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