The Russian authorities have refused entrance to 18 tons of strawberries from Turkey. The federal inspection service for animal and plant health (Rosselkhoznadzor) have, during a check-up found Californian trips (Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande) on the fruit.
Alexey Alekseyenko, spokesman of Rosselkhoznadzor, mentioned that 18 tons of strawberries were regarded as unhealthy. "From research in our laboratory it appeared that the pest Frankliniella occidedentalis (Californian trips) is present on the strawberries, as quoted by the Turkish newspaper 'Zaman'. "Therefore it has been decided to return the fruit to Turkey."
At the moment Russia is the largest importer of raw fruit and vegetables from Turkey. The present incident is not unique in its kind, however. Only a good year ago Russia returned about 50 tons of Turkish tomatoes to the country of origin and in 2010 Russia returned about 52 tons of grapes. Also in total 260 tons of mandarins were returned to Turkish producers. In connection with the EHEC-crisis the EU also blocked the import of Turkish products in 2011.