KARACHI: The European Union (EU) food safety and consumer protection officials on Monday agreed to limit a ban on Pakistani mango exports to only one season in case of five infested consignments. The same rule, however, would now apply to export of all agricultural produce from Pakistan, and not just mango exports.

The decision was taken in a videoconference between EU officials in Brussels and their Pakistani counterparts to discuss a recent EU warning regarding mango imports from Pakistan.

According to sources, EU officials informed that the ban would not be imposed unilaterally and Pakistan would be granted a chance to explain its position.

Related: Stricter EU requirements deal a blow to mango exports

The EU earlier warned to ban imports from Pakistan if five cases of infestation of fruit flies in mango consignments were reported. The decision has led to a drastic drop in the export of mangoes to the lucrative European markets.

The EU officials appreciated Pakistani government’s efforts, but advised to focus on citrus canker, a disease that affects citrus species.

Earlier, Pakistan Agricul­tural Research Council chairman Dr Iftikhar Ahmed informed EU officials about the good agricultural practices being promoted here.

Adviser and Director General Plant Protection Department Dr Mubarik Ahmed gave a presentation on the action plan being implemented by the government to tackle export challenges related to mangoes.

Also read: Stagnant mango exports

Pakistan exports citrus fruits, bitter guard, guava and some vegetables to the 28-nation bloc.

Those who attended the meeting included DG-Sanco (Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection) Stephane Andre, Director Sanco Eric Poudelet, Pakistan’s Trade Minister in Brussels Safdar Sohail, Deputy Food Security Commissioner Syed Waseemul Hasan, grower-cum-exporter retired major Mohammad Tariq, All Pakistan Fruit, Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association co-chairman Waheed Ahmed, owner of the hot water treatment plant in Karachi A.Q. Durrani and a UK mango importer.

Published in Dawn, July 8th , 2014