Brussels, 05/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health, which brings together experts from EU member states, agreed on Wednesday 4 November to increased controls on imports of pears from Turkey. This move was occasioned by the discovery of high levels of amitraz in the fruit. Amitraz, a formamidine, is an active plant health substance, and is an insecticide.
Henceforth all EU countries will have to monitor at least 10% of consignments of pears from Turkey for the presence of amitraz. Consignments already on the market should also be subject to appropriate official control. Member states should use the Rapid Alert System to report to the Commission any excessive levels after laboratory analysis. (L.C./transl.rt)