Global Rice News

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign trade is facing a critical challenge due to the detection of over 55 interceptions, mainly mangoes with fruit fly and without treatment, in shipments of rice and food items bound for the European Union (EU). These interceptions not only damage Pakistan’s international reputation in terms of food safety measures but also pose a serious risk to its exports to the EU if the issues are not resolved.

Recently obtained documents shed light on the severity of the problem. A letter from Pakistan’s mission in Brussels to the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant authorities highlights the alarming extent of the issue. The letter states that 39 interceptions were reported in rice imports from Pakistan, along with an additional 16 interceptions in non-rice food products. If these interceptions are not reduced through appropriate sanitary and phytosanitary measures, Pakistan could face a ban on the import of its rice in EU member countries, similar to India which is already facing similar challenges. The EU has placed Pakistan and India on a list for increased controls on aflatoxins in rice.

The interceptions in rice consignments were attributed to various factors, including aflatoxins, pesticide residues, and document discrepancies. These issues were identified in multiple EU member states, with Germany and Italy having the highest number of interceptions.

Aflatoxins, which are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi, were found in the rice consignments. Aflatoxins are genotoxic and carcinogenic, posing health risks to humans. Pesticide residues were also discovered in these shipments, which can have both acute and chronic health effects.

The EU has set maximum aflatoxin levels and residue limits for imported rice and food items in its member countries. However, a study shows that Pakistani food items mostly contain aflatoxin levels above the EU limits due to poor storage conditions and defective supply chains. The study also reveals high levels of pesticide residue, caused by farmers harvesting crops before the recommended post-harvest interval of pesticides. Furthermore, the improper regulation and standardization of pesticides by provincial agricultural departments contribute to the issue.

The Ministry of National Food Security and Ministry of Commerce have restricted the Department of Plant Protection from checking aflatoxin and residue levels in rice shipments exportable to the EU before issuing a phytosanitary certificate. Both ministries have not coordinated with the Punjab and Sindh agriculture departments and food safety authorities to raise awareness among farmers about post-harvest intervals and improve storage and packing of food items. Instead, both ministries have allowed rice exporters to implement food safety measures on their own, without involvement from the relevant department.

Importantly, these interceptions were not limited to a single exporter. Multiple exporters, including M/s Zubair Enterprises, M/s Sarwar Foods, M/s Rice Expert, and M/s Modem Rice & General Mills, faced scrutiny. The Department of Plant Protection is responsible for restricting these exporters from further export to the EU until corrective measures are implemented.

In addition to rice consignments, non-rice food products such as herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, supari, milk, meat products, and confectionery also faced interceptions. These interceptions were reported across various EU countries, with Germany having the highest incidence.

To address this issue, the Pakistani mission in Brussels proposes a series of strategic recommendations. These include engaging and sensitizing relevant regulatory bodies and exporters about European food safety regulations, advising exporters to ensure compliance, and urging a reduction in the use of pesticides and fertilizers. The letter also advocates for collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, and the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan. The Department of Plant Protection, which lacks technical officers, must also be involved in resolving the issue. The aim is to compile a comprehensive report detailing the corrective measures taken to prevent rice interceptions in the EU. This report will be shared with EU authorities to demonstrate the quality and safety of Pakistani rice for human consumption in the EU market.

The Pakistani mission in Brussels will closely monitor the progress of these recommendations and provide regular updates to the relevant authorities. It is crucial to swiftly and comprehensively address these issues to protect Pakistan’s exports and restore confidence in its products in the global food export market.

Experts believe that the absence of experts and relevant officials in key positions in government departments is contributing to the current challenges in the country’s exports.

**Source:** [Profit](https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk)