Jon Ashworth, UK member of parliament for the Leicester South constituency, has called on the government to help avert a European Union ban on imported Alphonso mangoes due to start on 1 May.
The Labour party MP argued that the ban would adversely affect wholesalers, retailers and the many Indian restaurants in Leicester that use Alphonso mangoes in desserts, meals and drinks.
He stated: 'Given that the crop of Alphonso mangoes will peak this month and next, the import ban is deeply concerning for many businesses in the city of Leicester.
'I have therefore asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to look again at the importation ban in order to assist businesses in the city that will otherwise be severely damaged.'
Ashworth said he would raise the issue in Parliament's House of Commons next week.
His support for the mango trade was echoed by Uday Dholakia, chairman of the National Asian Business Association, who commented: 'We are working with mangoes importers and distributors in the UK to facilitate a round-table meeting with key regulators to find a constructive way forward in the short term, as this year’s consignments are due in May.
'This will support the UK importers, distributors and retailers, but also the farmers in India.'
Dholakia agreed however that there was a need for better regulation to ensure that contamination, allergens and labelling in the supply chain were effectively managed in the long term.
'We are working hard to facilitate this in the UK and India,' he said.
Monica Bhandari of Fruity Fresh, a major importer of Indian mangoes based at Western International wholesale market, has organised an online petition against the ban.
'The mango season lasts just ten weeks and this ban will destroy businesses in the UK and India as mangoes are worth several millions to the Indian and UK economy,' she explained.
'The ban needs to be lifted immediately - and delay [what] effectively means a ban for the whole year due to the short season. A considered approach in the vein of partnership needs to be taken as advocated by the National Asian Business Association.'
