EU ban on Indian mango to go: UK

London, May 21: Britain is taking action to overturn the EU ban on import of mangoes from India though it is unlikely to be lifted before the end of this mango season, leading Indian- origin MP Keith Vaz said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the chairman of the UK's Home Affairs Committee said that he spoke to Lord De Mauley, parliamentary under secretary of state for natural environment and science, on Wednesday to ask for an update on the efforts made by the department for environment, food, rural affairs to lift the European Union’s ban on the importation of Alphonso mangoes from India.

Mr Vaz said, “I was very pleased to hear from the minister that action is finally being taken to try to overturn the EU ban on the importation of Alphonso mangoes.

Lord De Mauley informed me that the EU is planning to send an audit to India in September this year.

“While this is good news, it is clear that the ban will not be lifted before the end of this mango season. We sincerely hope that it will be overturned in time for next season before it can again be allowed to have a disastrous impact on peoples livelihoods.”

“I am going to arrange a meeting with the UK’s Food and Environment Research Agency and urge them to go to India to give support in meeting the guidelines set out by the European Union. Britain is India’s best friend in the European Union and we must do everything to help,” Mr Vaz said.