Taiwan mangoes, guavas approved for EU import

Taipei, June 13 (CNA) Taiwan's mangoes and guavas have been officially approved for export to the European Union, the Ministry of Agriculture said Friday, calling it major recognition of Taiwan's expertise in plant quarantine and pest control.

The approval clears the way for these fruits to enter all EU member states after overcoming strict sanitary barriers aimed at blocking produce that serves as a host for fruit flies, the ministry said.

Taiwan is designated as a quarantine pest zone for oriental fruit flies and melon flies, meaning host fruits like mangoes and guavas cannot be exported directly to the EU.

After Taiwan demonstrated its longstanding heat and cold treatment protocols, which have already been accepted by countries including Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, the EU accepted Taiwan's application, the ministry said.

Under the approved process, mangoes must undergo a 30-minute vapor heat treatment at 46.5 degrees Celsius, while guavas must pass inspection and be certified as pest-free by the ministry.

The ministry said Taiwan's mangoes and guavas are already popular in Asia, Oceania and North America.