Do you love traveling and bringing back memories of your getaways to the other side of the world? Be careful, did you know that carrying plants, seeds or fruits in your luggage can have a harmful impact on the environment? Find out how to protect nature by adopting good practices when traveling.
The invisible dangers of your travel memories #
Ah, vacation! Who doesn’t like to bring back a little bit of their trip as souvenirs? Of the mangoes exotics purchased on an Asian market, seeds tropical plants that we dream of seeing growing in our garden… So many temptations that hide dangers that are often underestimated. By slipping these trophies into your luggage, you could unknowingly transport bacteria, viruses, fungi and other pests. These organisms can wreak havoc on local crops and European ecosystems, disrupting the ecological balance.
A European initiative for plant health #
To make holidaymakers aware of the risks linked to the importation of exotic plants, the campaign “Plant Health for life» was launched. This initiative, supported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission, reminds us of the importance of not bringing plants, seeds or fruits in your luggage. By following this recommendation, each traveler can contribute to the preservation of the environment and local agricultural sectors.
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Traveling pests: alarming examples #
Some species are true hitchhikers. For example, the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) attacks nearly 300 species of plants. It can travel long distances, clinging to plants, objects, and even humans and animals. Once introduced into a new environment, it can cause considerable damage by attacking forests, lawns or vines. Washing your fruits or vegetables before packing them is unnecessary, as these pests can grow inside the produce.
Comply with current regulations #
Import plants without a phytosanitary certificate also carries legal risks. In France, the introduction of food products from countries that are not members of the European Union or overseas is very controlled. Only certain exceptions, such as bananas, coconut, durians, dates and pineapple, can enter without quantity limit and without phytosanitary certificate. Violators risk seizure and destruction of illegally imported products.
A positive impact thanks to your vigilance #
Although difficult to quantify, the success of previous awareness campaigns is notable. Health authorities note that more and more people are reporting the presence of exotic insects to the Regional Directorates of Food, Agriculture and Forestry (Draaf). Thanks to this vigilance, it was possible to detect and eradicate certain outbreaks of pests in time.
Simple actions for environmentally friendly travel #
Here are some simple actions you can take to make your travels more environmentally friendly:
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- Avoid buying exotic fruits, plants or seeds as souvenirs.
- Favor local and certified products without risk for the ecosystem.
- Find out about the regulations in force regarding the importation of plants.
- Report any suspicious presence of exotic insects to the appropriate authorities.
By adopting these simple actions, you actively contribute to the protection of our environment and food safety.
