Global Rice News

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign trade is facing a significant challenge with the discovery of over 55 interceptions of rice and food items shipments destined for the European Union (EU) this year. These interceptions primarily involve mangoes with fruit flies and untreated rice consignments. Not only do these interceptions tarnish Pakistan’s international reputation in terms of food safety, but they also pose a serious threat to the country’s exports to the EU if the issues are not resolved.

Recent documents obtained shed light on the seriousness of the situation. A letter dated October 4, 2023, from the Pakistan mission in Brussels addressed to the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant authorities underscores the extent of the problem. The letter reveals that there were 39 interceptions in rice consignments imported from Pakistan, along with an additional 16 interceptions in non-rice food products. This high interception rate of Pakistani food goods in EU member countries could lead to a ban on the import of Pakistani rice. The EU has already imposed similar sanctions on India due to similar interception challenges. Pakistan and India are now subject to increased frequency of aflatoxin controls in rice under EU regulations.

The interceptions in rice consignments were attributed to various factors including aflatoxins, pesticide residues, the presence of metal and plastic, and document discrepancies. Germany and Italy reported the highest number of interceptions.

Aflatoxins, which are toxic substances produced by certain types of fungi, were found in the rice consignments. These compounds pose significant health risks to humans as they are genotoxic and carcinogenic. Pesticide residues were also detected in the shipments, which can cause both acute and chronic health effects.

The European Union has set maximum aflatoxin levels for imported rice and food items, which are significantly lower than the levels found in Pakistani food items. This is due to poor storage conditions, inappropriate packing, and defective supply chains. Additionally, the harvesting of crops by farmers before the recommended post-harvest interval of pesticides has resulted in higher levels of pesticide residues. The absence of proper regulation and standardization of pesticides by provincial agricultural departments has further exacerbated the issue.

The Ministry of National Food Security and Ministry of Commerce have restricted the Department of Plant Protection from checking aflatoxin and pesticide residue levels in rice shipments exportable to EU member countries. These ministries have also failed to coordinate with the Punjab and Sindh agriculture departments and food safety authorities to address the issues at the source. Instead, rice exporters have been allowed to implement their food safety measures without proper oversight.

It is important to note that 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 has the responsibility to restrict these exporters from further exports until corrective measures are implemented.

Apart from rice consignments, interceptions were also reported in non-rice food products. These included herbs, spices, nuts and seeds, mixed supari, milk and milk products, meat products, and confectionery. Germany, Sweden, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy, Poland, and Portugal documented these interceptions.

To tackle this issue, the Pakistani mission in Brussels proposes several strategic recommendations. These include creating awareness among regulatory bodies and exporters regarding European food safety regulations, requiring exporters to ensure strict compliance, and reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers in rice intended for export to the EU.

Additionally, collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, and the Department of Plant Protection is essential. A comprehensive report detailing the corrective measures implemented to prevent rice interceptions in the EU will be compiled and shared with EU authorities to assure the quality and safety of Pakistani rice for human consumption.

The Pakistani mission in Brussels is committed to closely monitoring the progress of these recommendations and providing regular updates to relevant authorities. Swift and comprehensive efforts are necessary to protect Pakistan’s exports and restore confidence in its products in the international market.

Experts believe that the absence of qualified officials in key positions within government departments is contributing to the ongoing challenges in the country’s exports.

Source: Source