New Zealand allows importation of irradiated Australian citrus
New Zealand now allows the importation of Australian citrus (oranges, mandarins, lemons, grapefruit, limes, tangelo, tangor) treated with a dose minimum of 150 Gy. An amendment to the Import Health Standards was published in March 2023 and is designed to ensure that Australian citrus is free of Queensland or Mediterranean fruit fly even from areas that are not designated as pest-free. The amendment was possible thanks to a change in the Food Standards in 2021 that permits phytosanitary irradiation of all fruits and vegetables.
A dose of 150 Gy treatment has been internationally recognized and accepted as a generic treatment for Tephridae fruit flies under ISPM 18: Guidelines for the Use of Irradiation as a Phytosanitary Treatment.
A pre-existing import pathway (cold treatment for at least 14 to 20 days) remains an option but is known to contribute to chilling injury to the fruit, impacting availability and cost. The new, rapid treatment option allows industry to expedite shipments and avoid sub-optimal handling temperatures. It will provide increased flexibility to meet biosecurity requirements that protect New Zealand’s environment and horticultural producers. The new pathway for entry of Australian citrus into New Zealand will help to ensure the availability of year-round, healthy food choices to New Zealand consumers.