EU Reports Fewer Pesticide Violations in Moroccan Produce Imports

Of the 481 fruits and vegetables rejected this year, 417 came from Turkey and 49 from Egypt. On August 27, 18 came from Turkey, six from Egypt and two from Morocco. Citrus fruits account for 42% of the 481 intercepted fruits and vegetables.

After several complaints received last November denouncing the presence of methyl chlorpyrifos or chlorpyrifos, substances banned in the European territory, the European Commission has increased by 20% the frequency of controls on Turkish imports of oranges, mandarins, clementines, citrus fruits, lemons, peppers and pomegranates. Controls have also been extended to other products such as hazelnuts and pistachios (20%) and grape leaves (50%).

Despite these measures, Turkey continued to export its products to the EU, leading the European Commission and the Spanish government to ban imports of fruits and vegetables from Turkey. Spain has also asked the EU to require imported products to comply with European phytosanitary standards and to establish protocols to end the invasion of imported fruits and vegetables that endanger the lives of its citizens.