China Fruit Fears

office(at)ausbuy.com.au

BIOSECURITY Australia will again examine the risks posed by Chinese apples after receiving five appeals against allowing them into the country.

Biosecurity Australia chief executive Dr Colin Grant said a panel would be convened to further consider the risks in the wake of the appeals.

"Two of the appeals provide evidence that warrant consideration," Dr Grant said.

The independent Import Risk Analysis Appeals Panel will consider the issues raised in those submissions and report its findings by June 16.

BA will then issue a final import risk analysis report and a recommendation.

Apple and Pear Australia's biosecurity issues spokesman John Corboy said there had not been a proper risk analysis of four pests in China.

An IRAA panel will also look at fresh stone fruit imports from the US, with a report due by May 31.

This article, by Sandra Godwin, appeared in the Weekly Times on 19th May 2010.

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