The paper presents a model for quantifying quarantine-related phytosanitary measures by combining the two basic components of pest risk assessment, probability of establishment and economic effects, into a single management framework, Iso-Risk. The model provides a systematic and objective basis for defining and measuring acceptable risk and for justifying quarantine actions relative to acceptable risk. This can then be used to measure consistency of phytosanitary measures. The Iso-Risk framework is applied using a database of USDA phytosanitary risk assessments. The results show that the USDA risk assessment system produces assessments that are not consistent across a range of intermediate values for consequence or likelihood of occurrence.

A Pest Risk Analysis was conducted on commodities imported as hand luggage from Cameroon, India and Kenya at O.R. Tambo International Airport. The initiation phase indicated that fruit, and to a lesser extent vegetables, are often imported concealed in hand luggage and not declared for inspection. Such undeclared commodities pose a risk to the South African agricultural industry and environment as it may serve as a pathway for quarantine pests. The qualitative pest risk assessment conducted on the commodities intercepted indicated that the risk is high, with the commodities serving as pathways for quarantine pests including insects, bacteria, mites, fungi, viruses and weeds. Bactrocera fruit flies were identified as a specific high risk and were further subjected to a quantitative pest risk assessment. Mitigation treatments for fruit flies were evaluated for efficacy and effect on the quality of the fruit. Hot water immersion treatment was deemed to be an effective mitigation treatment for fruit flies. This treatment on fruit flies was found effective at pulp temp of 46°C and 47°C where the pulp temp is held for 10 and 12 minutes respectively.

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The European Food Safety Authority requested the Panel on Plant Health to produce a guidance document on the evaluation of documents prepared by EU Member States or third parties to justify requests for phytosanitary measures to be considered under Council Directive 2000/29/EC[3]. The Panel reviewed the 36 opinions published in the period 2006-2008, and in particular considered the evaluation process for 30 pest risk analysis documents prepared by France on organisms considered harmful for the overseas Departments of Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Reunion. It also considered the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and the evaluation process is presented with reference to the elements of ISPM No. 11: Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests including analysis of environmental risks and living modified organisms[4]. This guidance confirms the criteria used by the Panel in evaluating whether the evidence presented in the submitted documents supports the conclusion that an organism may pose a risk to plant health and therefore be considered as a harmful organism. The following elements are used as the basis of the conclusions reached by the Panel: •the potential for consequences to cultivated and managed plants and environmental consequences following the introduction of the organism to a specified area •the likelihood of establishment and spread •the likelihood of entry by analysis of the potential pathways presented •the uncertainties which may influence the conclusions reached. If requested, the Panel may also identify and evaluate the effectiveness of potential risk management options a) in reducing the risk of entry and b) in reducing the magnitude of the potential consequences following the introduction of an organism considered to pose a risk to plant health in the European Community.

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