Chinese authorities say they have detected a total of five batches of apples originating from Europe over recent weeks with the rot-causing Neofabraea alba fungus.

A release from China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said the fungus was detected in three batches of Polish apples in Guangdong and Xiamen, and in two batches of French apples in Shanghai.

The entity provided no information regarding the weight of the shipments, and either destroyed the produce or sent it back to the country of origin.

In March Fresh Fruit Portal reported Chinese authorities had blocked a shipment of Polish apples that detected positive for the Neofabraea kienholzii pathogen, and it is unclear if this is included in the figures provided in the most recent release.

AQSIQ said it had notified the French and Polish authorities. It also urged Chinese customs to strengthen checks against apples from the two countries.

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www.freshfruitportal.com