Danas: Minister allowed import of chlorpyrifos banned in the West

“The return of the consignment of peaches treated with chlorpyrifos was expected, the steps taken by the relevant authorities inevitably led to this outcome,” said Josifova.

Two days ago a consignment of peaches from Serbia bound for Croatia was found to contain pesticide chlorpyrifos, so it was returned to the sender from the border with Croatia. This information was published on the European Commission website, with a note that the consignment is a potential risk, Danas reported.

The imported pesticide ended up in the fruit-growing industry although it was not meant for it, which may now result in a ban on Serbia’s export of fruits and vegetables, said Josifova.

She said she repeatedly addressed the Ministry and the Minister in an effort to warn of the adverse consequences of importing banned active substances but never received a reply.

“Serbia has become a dumping ground for European Union’s unused supplies. It is importing products that were banned there ages ago,” said Josifova.

The Ministry and Minister Tanaskovic have not replied to a query from Danas on the issue.