Print

Mail

wiki links

Ban on imported apples imposed over moth larvae

The Council of Agriculture (COA) imposed a temporary ban on apple imports from France yesterday after discovering an infestation of codling moth larvae in a recent shipment.

It was the first time codling moths had been discovered in apple imports from Europe, the council said.

The codling moth is a serious pest that affects apple, pear, quince and walnut-producing regions in Europe, Asia and North America.

Codling moths could devastate the nation's apple and pear crops if they were introduced here, council officials said.

According to officials at the council's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine, the larvae were found on Tuesday in a shipment containing 1,029 crates of Gala apples.

The council said the find was identified as codling moth larvae by visual inspection and DNA analysis.

Quarantine regulations require the bureau to destroy the shipment or return it to the country of origin.

The bureau had requested the French authorities suspend apple exports to Taiwan until they identify the cause of the infestation and take measures to remedy the situation, officials said.

As for shipments already en route, the bureau would conduct a comprehensive inspection after their arrival, the officials said.

Last year Taiwan imported 586 tonnes of apples from France, accounting for only 0.5 percent of apple imports, the council said.

Taiwanese consume around 115,000 tonnes of apples annually, relying on imports to meet more than 90 percent of demand.
This story has been viewed 1381 times.