Over three tonnes of citrus fruits from Sicily were prevented from entering Malta on Saturday, according to the country's agriculture ministry. The fruit shipment, containing oranges, lemons, and mandarins, arrived via catamaran and was packed into 306 boxes. The shipment was returned as inspectors found the fruit packed with leaves and stems, violating pest control rules.
The Plant Health Directorate plans to penalize the importer as per the Plant Quarantine Act. Citrus trees are susceptible to numerous pests, including the global Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV), which cannot be controlled by pesticides. The only way to manage this disease is by uprooting and burning infected trees and applying pesticides for the vectors.
Malta has experienced several CTV outbreaks in the past decade, with a significant one in 2017. To mitigate virus risk, all imported citrus fruits must be devoid of leaves or stems. The agriculture ministry stated, “Inspections are carried out to ensure organisms that can harm local plants are not allowed into the country and given the chance to spread.” It further added, “The illegal trade of citrus fruit that does not conform with Maltese laws places local agriculture at risk. The interception of this fruit is a testament to the government’s commitment to protect local farmers and consumers.”
Source: timesofmalta.com