Philippines: Officials seize fresh fruits from China and Thailand

Last Monday, Philippine airport quarantine officials seized more than 50 kilograms of fresh fruits f…

Last Monday, Philippine airport quarantine officials seized more than 50 kilograms of fresh fruits from Jinjang, China and Thailand that were not issued with health and sanitary permits from the ports of origin.

Quarantine officer Bart Mesolania said the confiscated plums, Fuji apples, mangoes and mong beans were carried by passengers who failed to present the required documents. Mesolania stressed that the country strictly prohibits the entry of fresh fruits and vegetables, which might carry with them “foreign pests.”

“These pests could infect our vegetable and fruit industry, which might be difficult to control because these pests could be resistant to local pesticides,” he said.

Mesolania said the country requires that all incoming plant products and planting materials should be declared to Customs officers and plant quarantine for inspection and clearance. Other prohibited items are living plants, seedlings, seedless nuts for planting, bulbs/tubers, fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, beans, spices herbs, fruits and dried mushroom, cut flowers, mushroom cultures and other commodities capable of harbouring plant pests.

Source: businessmirror.com.ph