The Spanish government’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food reported that it has allowed the import of potatoes into the archipelago from the United Kingdom. The district councilor, Narvae Quintero, explained that the state, “the competent authority in this field”, has prepared instructions stating that the entry of this tuber from the aforementioned country is permitted, with the exception of Kent (the county where it was discovered). Potato beetle or Leptinotarsa decemlineata), based on information provided by the UK phytosanitary authorities, who ensure that the pest has not spread and that the UK government has acted on areas where it is found.
“The Canary Islands government lacks powers in this matter; However, in cooperation with the Spanish Government and producers, we have sought solutions to the potato shortage in order to protect the Canary Islands from the introduction of this pest and to ensure the next harvest in the islands and the supply of this essential product in canary feed,” Quintero noted.
The head of the department noted that a series of additional application measures have been identified regarding product packaging and labeling “to strengthen and provide greater phytosanitary guarantees.”
Therefore, potatoes must undergo a cleaning process, by brushing or washing, that allows the complete removal of traces of soil and harmful organisms, and the acceptable percentage of existing soil is determined to be 0.5%.
In addition to potato-specific data (type, grower code, variety, size, date of packing), labeling must include traceability that allows identification of the product and production area at the plot level.
Potato seeds must be packed in new bags with a maximum capacity of 25 kg, sealed and labeled in facilities approved for this purpose, which guarantee their authenticity and traceability and under the official control of the corresponding phytosanitary authorities in the production areas.
As for consumption, it may be presented in containers whose weight does not exceed 1.5 tons, and must be sealed and labeled in facilities authorized for this, which guarantee its authenticity and traceability, and are also subject to the control of the phytosanitary authorities in the producing areas. .
Likewise, it is reported that inspections will be carried out on 100% of potato shipments coming from the UK.
fountain: Governmentdecanarias.org
date of publication:
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