Alphonso mangoes: EU lifts ban on Indian mango imports

The fruit was barred from the UK and other member states in April 2014, after authorities in Brussels found consignments infested with fruit flies

Imports of Alphonso mangoes will begin again in March (AFP/Getty)

The European Union has today lifted a ban on the importation of mangoes from India.

Alphonso mangoes were barred from the UK and other member states in April 2014, after authorities in Brussels found consignments infested with fruit flies that they feared could damage European salad crops.

But today a European Commission committee voted unanimously to remove the restriction following significant improvements in India's mango export system.

However, a number of vegetables, including Indian aubergines, will remain subject to restrictions.

Labour's Keith Vaz (Leicester East) raised the matter in the Commons, asking: "Will you join with me in welcoming the decision taken 30 minutes ago by the EU to raise the ban on the import of Alphonso mangoes from India?

"And will you agree with me that there are lessons that should be learned by the EU that before they make these decisions, there should be proper consultation and full transparency?"

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond replied: "Yes, I'm absolutely clear there should be full transparency on all issues concerning mangoes.

"I'm delighted to see the greatest possible level of free trade in the international market for mangoes."

Imports will begin again in March and further evidence will be collected for a review on the ban of the vegetables.

Additional reporting by Press Association