DA to lobby Japan to lift stricter tests for chemical residue on bananas

April 13, 2019

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol will lead efforts to lobby the Japanese government to lift stricter tests for chemical residue and ensure faster access of Philippine banana exports to Japan.

Piñol said he will handle the request by the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. (PBGEA) to convince Japanese officials that Philippine banana exports comply with Japanese standards for the maximum residue level (MRL) for chemicals used as insecticides in banana plantations following new protocols and assessment process by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

“I have talked with officials of PBGEA to assure them that I will personally handle efforts to resolve the issue,” he said.

The PBGEA had previously sought the DA’s help in resolving the Japanese government’s implementation of 100 percent testing of Philippine banana exports in August 2018 following a discovery some bananas from the Philippines contained residues of Fipronil insecticides beyond the maximum limit set by Japanese food safety standards.

PBGEA members export 50 percent of their bananas to Japan.

The BPI immediately instituted a stricter Philippine assessment process with new protocols and has sent the Japanese government a list of Philippine companies that it certifies to comply with the Japanese MRL standards.

In its letter to Piñol, the PBGEA said it is concerned the 100 percent testing requirement could hurt Philippine exports, especially during the Golden Week holiday in Japan from April 28 to May 6 when limited or no cargo inspections are expected.

“Mr. Secretary, may we ask for your personal intercession in addressing the issue of … MRL on Philippine bananas exported to Japan. May we ask you to please lead the delegation to Japan to settle this issue which if not addressed will affect our exports especially during the start of the Golden Week Holiday which stats April 26. Your presence will surely make a big difference,” PBGEA Executive Director Stephen Antig said in his letter to Piñol.

Piñol said he will present to Japanese officials the new protocols and assessment process implemented by the Philippine government and banana exporters to assure them Filipino bananas comply with their food safety standards.

Philippine banana exports rose in 2018 after joint government and industry efforts to improve banana production and stop the spread of the Panama disease.

This restored the Philippines' reputation as the world’s second largest banana exporter after Ecuador. DMS