During a routine inspection that took place on the night between Friday and Saturday 10 February 2024, inspectors from the Plant Protection Directorate intercepted and confiscated a significant consignment of citrus fruits that were brought into Malta from Sicily during the night that was not according to fixed standards.
This work was done in collaboration with the Police where trucks carrying fruit from Sicily by catamaran were inspected according to the law. The confiscated citrus consists of a delivery of 306 boxes equivalent to 3,032 kilos of citrus sinensis, reticulata and limon and this will be sent back to Sicily in the presence of inspectors from the Directorate. In addition, the Directorate will be taking the legal steps as provided by the Plant Quarantine Act.
The inspections are carried out to prevent the entry and control of the range of organisms that harm plants in Malta. The illegal trade of citrus which is not in accordance with the laws of Malta puts the Maltese agricultural industry at risk by endangering the introduction of tree and plant diseases as well as hampering the work of the producers local.
Malta benefits from a Protected Zone for the citrus disease known as CTV (Citrus Tristeza Virus). This disease is among the worst diseases affecting citrus trees infecting all species and varieties of citrus and causing serious damage to the citrus industries. The virus is found worldwide in citrus growing regions including the Mediterranean region. This led to a great loss of citrus trees in several countries such as Spain and South America.
In order to prevent this disease from entering Malta, any citrus fruit that is imported into Malta must be free of any leaves and peduncles, which reduces the risk of transporting insects that carry this disease. The interception is testimony to the Government’s commitment to protect the interest of the Maltese agricultural sector and at the same time protect the consumer. The Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights calls on the public to report suspected activities or unauthorized imports to the authorities concerned.
For questions or more information, the public is invited to contact the Plant Protection Directorate at the email plantquarantine@gov.mt or telephone 22926535.
Photo (MAFA)
