MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Black spot detected in citrus fruits imported from South Africa – E-001876/2024

Question for written answer  E-001876/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Esther Herranz García (PPE)

As we have been warning since at least 2015, a fungus that causes citrus black spot disease (Phyllosticta citricarpa) is being frequently detected every season in citrus fruits imported from South Africa.

Twenty shipments of citrus fruits contaminated with citrus black spot were intercepted in June, July and August. As these are the first three months of the importing season, we fear that the number is set to rise.

In view of this situation, which has been ongoing for years:

• 1.What measures does the European Commission intend to take to ensure that this plague does not reach European crops? Is the Commission considering closing its borders to citrus fruit imports from South Africa?
• 2.Given that imports contaminated with citrus black spot and false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) have also been detected in imports from Zimbabwe, when does the Commission intend to extend mandatory cold treatment to imports from that country?

Submitted: 30.9.2024