Kenya granted additional nod to access EU market
By Nicholas.Waitathu, August 2, 2023
Kenya has been granted an additional approval to export temperature treated mango fruits to the European Union (EU) market.
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) confirmed that the notification for the approval to use vapour heat treatment (VHT) for fresh mango fruit from Kenya was published by the EU in June 2023.
Managing director Theophilus Mutui explained that the new development is in addition to the 2021 approval to use the hot water treatment approach.
“This means that exporters now have the leeway to export fresh mango fruits either treated using vapour heat or hot water,” he said.
In addition to the temperature treatment, Mutui added, the exporters are advised to adhere to the Kenya mango certification protocol to ensure that the fruits meet both phytosanitary and quality standards for the EU market.
Kephis has approved one temperature treatment facility for treatment of mango to the EU and Jordan Market. The institution is in the process of approving more facilities to support the mango export business.