Update: The ban has been lifted. Click here for more.

The European Commission will vote later today (Jan. 20) on whether to lift the ban currently preventing Indian mango imports.

According to sources close to www.freshfruitportal.com in both India and the U.K., the expectation is for the embargo to come to an end earlier than first thought due to substantial improvements made in growing practices, cultivation techniques, pre and post-harvest treatments, packing methods, logistics and general food safety measures.

"Everything points towards the easing of restrictions," one source said.

The mango debate and consequent vote are scheduled on the agenda of the Standing Committee meeting for plants, animals, food and feed, according to a European Commission spokesperson who told www.freshfruitportal.com that the vote outcome is expected after midday Brussels time today, as long as the vote goes ahead as planned.

A spokesman for Leicester East MP Keith Vaz also informed us that the British Member of Parliament is on standby in England, hoping to receive 'good news'.

Vaz has championed the issue on behalf of his constituents many of whom are British Indians in the retail and wholesale sector importing the Alphonso variety from India every season.

Last year, when the ban initially took effect on May 1, many U.K.-based importers were frustrated that they couldn't supply the 'king of fruits' whilst the financial ramifications of the ban were felt in the Indian sector. Subsequently there was a glut of the fruit on the domestic market which drove down prices in some areas.

The European Commission banned Indian mango imports amid serious concerns over fruit fly contamination and it was initially due to last until December 2015. Four other categories were also banned; two types of gourd, the taro plant and eggplant. We understand the Standard Committee meeting only relates to mango imports.

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