The objectives of the audit were to evaluate the system of official plant health controls and the certification of citrus fruit for export to the European Union (EU). This may be of special interest after health hazard claims against oranges from Brazil by the USDA.
The system in place for official controls and export certification of citrus fruit exported to EU is comprehensive, registration and traceability were improved since the last mission and it is now better harmonised.
The National Plant Protection Organisation responds to EU interceptions and takes measures to prevent further occurrences provided that the necessary information is supplied by EU Member States. Nevertheless, recommendations are made to the competent authorities to address the shortcomings identified. The good is always to be defeated by the better.