The committee of the South African citrus industry dealing with the citrus black spot (CBS) issue has recommended the suspension of South African exports to Europe with immediate effect.

A decision was taken after the committee discussed and reviewed the facts pertaining to the nine 'non-counting' and four 'counting' CBS interceptions made so far this season.

The committee recommended the suspension of all packing for Europe, and that the inspection and certification company, PPECB, stop inspection of fruit destined to Europe by Monday, 8 September.

Areas in South Africa regarded as free of citrus black spot, namely the Western and Northern Cape, as well as what is called Mandarin-citrus reticulata (not including Mineolas), are not affected by the regulations.

The committee also recommended that DG Sanco in the EU be requested to provide the SA Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) with the test of a live fungus or culture on each of the 13 interceptions for CBS on South African fruit this season.

The South Africans said that their action do not in any way indicate an admission that South African citrus fruit can act as a 'pathway' to carry CBS to European orchards, or that five interceptions could be a credible measurement of the risk-mitigation in order to suspend trade.

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