Argentina's National Service for Food Safety and Quality (Senasa) declared San Rafael, Mendoza, a phytosanitary emergency following the detection of male and female specimens of the fruit fly, one of the most damaging pests for fruit growing activities internationally.
Following the capture of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Senasa has declared a phytosanitary emergency in the Villa Atuel district, San Rafael Department, Mendoza province, in order to eradicate the pest.
This is established by the Resolution No. 168/2018, published in the Official Gazette, within the framework of the actions carried out by the Fruit Fly Control and Eradication Program (PROCEM) of Senasa.
The endangered area declared in emergency occupies a radius of 7,2 kilometers around Villa Atuel, a town located about 60 kilometers southeast of the city of San Rafael, where fruit-growing activity is significant.
In this regard, residents and producers in the regulated area must collaborate with the staff of the Mendoza Institute for Agricultural Health and Quality (Iscamen) to carry out the phytosanitary control tasks established in the aforementioned resolution.
In addition, in those places where it is feasible and in coordination with the municipality, the replacement of host plants of public trees with non-host or ornamental species will be planned.
On the other hand, the standard establishes regulations for fruit and vegetable production within the regulated area and the phytosanitary measures that must be met by the loads that leave it or that transit through the area (including Safeguard measures for transport, packaging, meat packing and industries).
Senasa personnel will inspect compliance with these actions and will also verify the phytosanitary conditions of the product in the different establishments that make up the fruit production chain.
According to Senasa, this Phytosanitary emergency does not imply the loss of international recognition from the Southern Oasis (San Rafael, General Alvear and Malargüe) of the province of Mendoza as a Fruit Fly Free Area.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
