US halts clementine imports from Spain - Food Industry Report - Brief Article

Eurofood, Dec 20, 2001

Imports of Spanish clementines have been banned by the US government after live larvae of the Mediterranean fruit fly were found in the product in three states. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) ordered the complete withdrawal of stocks from sale and distribution in 17 warm-climate states.

The reason for the measures is not food safety but the medfly's potential to damage crops in the US, where the pest does not currently exist. The medfly, which lays eggs that grow into maggots inside fruit and vegetables, is considered to be one of the most destructive pests to agriculture in the world, threatening more than 250 kinds of fruit, nuts and vegetables. Although it could not survive outside the 17 warm-climate states its introduction could devastate the citrus industry in Florida, Texas and California.

HEAVIEST SALES PERIOD COULD BE LOST

Clementines have become a popular winter seller in the US over the past decade since exporters found a way to transport them in refrigerated ships at USDA-specified temperatures to kill any medflies. The USDA will now investigate whether this cold-treatment standard is sufficient.

Some 80% of the 108 715 tonnes of clementines imported by the US in 2000 came from Spain. Ten years ago the amount imported from Spain was only 5 810t.

Experts predict serious losses for Spanish farmers and exporters - as much as US$54m (60.3m [euro]) or 40% of this year's expected annual total. Even if the USDA lifts the import ban quickly the three-week delivery time required for new shipments from Spain would mean that the next batch of clementines would miss the lucrative Christmas sales period.

SPAIN REJECTS MEDFLY CHARGES

However, Spain has since rejected the charges and said no Mediterranean fruit fly larvae have been found in Spain. The Spanish Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters (FEPEX) said that Spain had long ago eliminated the fly from its territory.

However, US inspectors are due to arrive today in Valencia, where the deliveries may have originated, to check for themselves.