The shipping, distribution and marketing of South African citrus fruit in the United States have been resumed following decisive action by South African citrus growers, supported by the South African Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture, to clear up a dispute resulting from the discovery of false codling moth (FMC) larvae in certain shipments of fruit.

Western Cape Grower Association spokesman, Gerrit van der Merwe, confirmed that marketing activities have been resumed in most parts of the US. “We are, however, still clarifying certain data with some of the citrus growing states. The underlying integrity of the South African cold sterilization programme for citrus shipments to the US has been accepted and has been proven as totally reliable to stop any false codling moth larvae that may escape the very strict inspection programme from surviving the journey. As responsible growers we understand the concerns that US growers have, but we are totally convinced that there is no danger whatsoever to US producers.”

Van der Merwe added that the South African cold sterilisation programme for the US is stricter than for any other destination in the world which requires this kind of practice. The fruit is pre-cooled to a temperature of -0.5°C and remain at that temperature for the total sterilisation period. “We are extremely grateful to the South African Department of Agriculture and the USDA for their assistance to resolve the matter.”

Some of the US citrus states, including Florida, California and Arizona, decided last week to temporarily stop the distribution of some South African shipments when the Californian Department of Agriculture reported the interception of FMC larvae. This was followed by intensive discussions between South African growers and the South African and US authorities, as well as re-inspection of fruit already in the USA, and a re-adjustment of some procedures. The USDA did not find live larvae and did not issue a recall on the citrus fruit that had been distributed. For the past week South African citrus have been delivered without incident to distribution centres of all supermarkets other than those located within the citrus producing states.

“We as South African growers offered to increase the sterilization period from 22 to 24 days, as well as lower the inspection tolerance for FCM before shipment to remove any doubt whatsoever about the integrity of the programme. We are constantly in touch with all parties involved with the shipment of South African fruit to the United States and are confident that all outstanding issues will be resolved soon,” says Van der Merwe.

He adds that the 2005 South African citrus sales have started extremely well and growers were looking forward to a very successful season. “The seventh vessel of the season will be loading in Cape Town next week. Growers are making all efforts to ensure fresh arrivals throughout the season and to meet growing customer and consumer demand for South African summer citrus. Importers in the United States are reporting excellent fruit quality.”

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