asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make a statement on (a) the recent discovery of Colorado beetles in parsley imported from another EC country; (b) the likelihood of success of the safety measures being undertaken; and if he will request other EC countries to implement appropriate controls at point of export to avoid a recurrence of this incident.
Written Answers. - Colorado Beetles.
16.
The recent discovery of three Colorado beetles occurred in a small consignment of parsley imported from France. Nearly all boxes in the consignment were traced and destroyed and the remaining few boxes were used at consumer level. Importers have been instructed to present consignments for inspection before distribution and Department inspectors have intensified checking and inspection procedures. The French authorities agreed to bring forward the special pre-export inspection and certification procedures prescribed under EC legislation which operate from 1 April to 15 October each year, and apply to imports from all continental member states.
The colorado beetle occurs freely in continental Europe and as a consequence some risk of infestation in this country will exist. My Department will ensure that the phytosanitary regulations are fully enforced but in addition there is need for continued vigilance by importers and the public. The production of out-of-season parsley and similar vegetables would, by cutting down imports, help to reduce the risk from Colorado beetle infestation.