Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, in a written answer on 9 July 2026, defended the EU's framework for controlling imports of Turkish peppers following repeated pesticide alerts, while announcing a planned audit of Greece's import control system and a new Task Force to improve import controls. The answer responds to a parliamentary question from ECR MEP Emmanouil Fragkos, who cited 27 RASFF alerts in 2025 for Turkish peppers, including eight for the banned substance formetanate, and continued serious incidents in 2026 such as tebufenopyrad at 35 times the EU limit and cadmium in red kapya peppers. Várhelyi stated that official controls of Turkish pepper consignments entering Greece do not raise concerns about non-compliance, and that the Commission performs audits in Member States and third countries to verify compliance. He confirmed that an audit of Greece's import control system is planned for late 2026, which will include official controls on high-risk imported fruit and vegetables. The answer also notes that a Task Force has been established to make import controls more efficient, focusing on pesticide residues and considering coordinated EU action on specific imported products. The response contains no new numerical targets or deadlines beyond the planned audit, and largely reiterates existing regulatory frameworks under Regulations (EU) 2017/625 and 2019/1793. The Commission's position suggests confidence in the current system, with targeted improvements through audits and the Task Force, rather than a systemic overhaul. Institutional follow-up is expected with the audit in late 2026 and potential Task Force recommendations.
Source✉ Open answer ↗
Asked byEmmanouil Fragkos (ECR)