Phytosanitary risks for European citriculture and reaction of the European Commission

Subject: Phytosanitary risks for European citriculture and reaction of the European Commission

In July the EU detected two cases of the quarantine pest false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in citrus fruit from South Africa and headed to the European market: one was located in a shipment of oranges and the other in a shipment of grapefruit, and both were intercepted. It is not known whether there are more cases. These incidents demonstrate once again the phytosanitary risk that South African citrus fruits pose to European citriculture.

As far as citrus black spot is concerned, 22 cases have already been detected in South Africa this year. A further case of citrus black spot was detected in Egypt and a shipment of oranges was intercepted. In addition, it is already known that this quarantine pest is spreading in Tunisia’s citrus groves.

The Commission still has time to react to ensure that the European citrus sector feels protected against such serious pests.

I would therefore like to ask:

1. Does the Commission intend to extend the cold treatment requirement to other citrus species from South Africa that pose the same phytosanitary risk, such as mandarins and grapefruit?

2. Following the interception of a shipment containing a case of citrus black spot from Egypt, does the Commission plan to carry out an inspection in the area where the citrus fruit concerned is cultivated to determine the extent of the pest and to implement measures to ensure the phytosanitary safety of citrus fruits from Egypt?

Submitted: 29.8.2023

Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission (3 October 2023)

Since the beginning of the 2023 season of imports of citrus fruits from South Africa, there hasn’t been any non-compliance of false codling moth on oranges.

There has been two non-compliances on mandarins and one on grapefruits. The EU follows a risk-based approach as regards protective measures against pests and at the time of discussion of the latest measures for false codling moth the majority of Member States consider it necessary to impose a mandatory cold treatment only to oranges. The Commission is monitoring closely the developments and will take the necessary measures.

To date there has only been one finding of Phyllosticta citricarpa (the causal agent for citrus black spot) in oranges from Egypt. The Commission communicated with Egypt on the finding and Egypt provided relevant documentation to demonstrate the absence of the pest from its territory.

For the moment, it is considered premature to organise a Commission audit for that reason. Should the non-compliances increase, the Commission will consider the most appropriate measures which may include an audit to verify the pest status in the country.