The Republic of Srpska Phytosanitary Inspection Service has banned the import of two shipments of bananas in the amount of 40,500 kilograms originating from Costa Rica, due to confirmed levels of pesticides found during the regular examination of an import of plant based food.

During the control of the shipment, a competent inspector conducted sampling for laboratory analysis in order to test it for pesticide residues. Based on the Report of the Laboratory Analysis the analysed sample had increased content of pesticides above the levels prescribed by the Rulebook on maximum levels of pesticide residues in food and feed of plant and animal origin. Acting upon the results of the analysis, the inspector issued a Decision banning the import of the shipment in question and ordered it to be returned or destroyed under the supervision of a competent inspector.

The highest risk with fruit and vegetables is unsanctioned levels of pesticide, mycotoxins and heavy metals, and these are the very parameters that are being tested in laboratories. Each shipment of fruit being imported must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country. Inspectors check whether the shipment has all necessary documentation, conduct detailed examination of the shipment and take samples for testing based on risk assessment.