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 stipulating that the entry of this tuber from the aforementioned country is permitted, with the exception of Kent County (the county where the potato beetle is found). or Leptinotarsa decemlineata), based on information provided by the UK phytosanitary authorities, which ensure that the pest has not spread and that the British government has acted on areas where it is present.
“The Government of the Canary Islands lacks powers in this matter, however, we have sought, together with the Government of Spain and producers, to find 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 availability of this essential product in the diet,” Quintero noted. For the Canary Islands.
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 be subjected to a cleaning procedure, by brushing and/or washing, that allows complete removal of traces of soil and harmful organisms, and specifies that the acceptable percentage of soil present will 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.
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