US approval of irradiation expected to boost Philippine fruit, vegetable exports "mango, papaya, banana and pineapple exports are the first commodities that will benefit from the irradiation system." BusinessWorld, November 29, 2002 by Leilani M. Gallardo The Philippines expects to increase fresh fruit and vegetable exports to the United States next year following the US government's approval of irradiation as an effective quarantine system. "Irradiation is an alternative phytosanitary treatment to outdated treatment methods such as toxic chemical fumigation and may now be used worldwide to eliminate the threat of environmental pests. This action provides an alternative to other currently approved treatments against fruit flies and the mango seed weevil in fruits and vegetables," agricultural attache to the US Victoriano B. Leviste said. Local fruit exporters have shied away from the US market due to stringent quarantine requirements. Currently, only fresh mangoes from Guimaras are allowed to enter the US market. This was after the island was quarantined for almost 15 years and made sure that it is free from the seed weevil disease. Since Guimaras produces only a small amount of mangoes each year, local fruit exporters cannot assure their US distributors of a year-round steady supply. The small volumes also mean higher shipment costs. "The Philippines would be able to expand its market. Since the US government allows only export from Guimaras, Filipino exporters cannot supply in big amounts. With the irradiation facility big agribusiness firms in the Philippines may now compete in the market," Mr. Leviste said. Irradiation is the deliberate treatment of a food product by exposing it to gamma radiation, x-rays or electrons which destroy most pathogenic microorganisms, making food safer for consumption and extending its shelf life by delaying spoilage. Bureau of Plant and Industry director Blo Umpar Adiong said mango, papaya, banana and pineapple exports are the first commodities that will benefit from the irradiation system. These are among the country's top fruit exports to other countries outside the US. Mr. Adiong said SureBeam Corp., the US-based firms which lobbied for the US government's approval of the irradiation method, is currently holding talks with local agribusiness companies for the establishment of an irradiation facility in the country. "SureBeam has not yet inked an agreement with any investor. They are currently in talks with a lot of local companies including Mayor Tomas Osmena of Cebu. But so far negotiations are still being undertaken as to whether it would be best to set up the facility outside Metro Manila or within," he said. Mr. Adiong said that since establishing an irradiation facility costs at least $5 million, investors have to make sure that it is located strategically to ensure that investments will be recouped.