Prohibited residues on organic kiwifruit

Unintentional contamination for organic kiwifruit in New Zealand and astonishment among the growers.

During some routine tests, Zespri discovered traces of DDAC (didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) on organic kiwifruit. After investigation, the DDAC was contained in a pulverization treatment, used against the PSA disease and duly authorized by BioGro, the organic certification body in the country.

Growers have collapsed. Zespri estimated that 30% of organic producers have used this product indicted, inadvertently contaminating their fruit.

All organic kiwifruit containing residues of DDAC will be classified as conventional fruits. The loss will be huge for the producers, who will lose the "bio" prize for these fruits. Since Japan has zero tolerance on DDAC, exports to this country are blocked. The organic kiwifruit are 4% of the total production by Zespri. 

Source: radio nz co nz, stuff co nz