LEICESTER East MP and chairman of the home affairs select committee, Keith Vaz, has said he will work towards helping overturn a ban on Indian mangoes in Britain before next summer.
The European Union has banned import of the Alphonso mango – famous for its perfumed aroma and buttery flesh – from May 1 after fruit flies, which officials said could threaten crops, were found in shipments last year.
British Indians say the move is unfair and deprives them of one of summer's sweetest flavours.
Vaz spoke to Lord De Mauley, parliamentary under secretary of state for natural environment and science, today (May 21) about progress on the efforts by Defra, the department for environment, food and rural affairs, to lift the EU ban.
In a statement, Vaz said: “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 (FERA) and urge them to go to India to give support in meeting the guidelines set out by the EU.
“Britain is India's best friend in the EU and we must do everything to help."
Vaz previously noted that said British citizens consumed 12 million mangoes last year alone and predicted the ban, due to run to December 2015, could cost British businesses over £10 million.
In a special debate in parliament, the MP said: "The EU has treated an important trading ally, which represents a sixth of the population of the globe, with disrespect.
"The Brussels sprouts have decided to take on the mighty mango. I know whose side I am on."
Prime Minister David Cameron has pledged to raise the issue with the new Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi.
