The Republic Phytosanitary Inspection Service, as part of its regular inspection of shipments in foreign trade, has prohibited the import of two shipments of commercial potatoes totaling 50.8 tons originating from Egypt because it was found that they did not meet the prescribed conditions for import and further trade.
During the inspection of one shipment, a significant presence of decaying tubers was found, and the entire shipment had an unpleasant and foul odor of rot, making it unacceptable and unsuitable for human consumption.
The results of laboratory analysis of a sample taken from the other shipment showed the presence of a harmful organism, thus failing to meet the conditions prescribed by the Law on Plant Health Protection, which stipulates the prohibition of introducing and spreading harmful organisms.
The phytosanitary inspector issued a decision banning the import of the contested shipments and ordered their return to the sender.
