The controversial ban on imports of Indian mango Alphonso ‘may not last until December’, ministers have said.
EU health commissioner Tonio Borg confirmed yesterday that an audit of quality control facilities in India will take place on 2 September this year.
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who has thrown his weight behind a petition to overthrow the ban, said: “Commissioner Tonio Borg has now confirmed that if the audit in September proves successful, the European Commission will ensure a rapid review of the ban. It does not have to last until December 2015.”
Vaz also confirmed that he had received a letter from the prime minister, David Cameron, which said that Indian authorities will receive support and advice from by the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), ahead of the autumn audit.
He said he welcomed the “very important news” from the prime minister that demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting and advising Indian plant health officials.
“The end of this hugely damaging EU decision which is preventing us from eating our favourite mango is finally in sight,” he said.
MP Jon Ashworth has previously joined Vaz in criticising the ban, which has been in place since 1 May, for the damaging effects to local retailers, importers and distributors as well as Indian farmers. A petition with more than 2,200 signatureswas also circulated amid fears the ban could 'ruin' businesses who rely on the Indian mango industry.
Ongoing pressure led PM David Cameron to announce he would discuss the issue with the Indian prime minister. “I understand how strongly [Mr Vaz] feels and how strongly the Indian community in this country feels and indeed I look forward to discussing it with the new Indian prime minister,” he said.
