The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is concerned about increased private purchases of plants from abroad, especially online. Such plants can, in fact, threaten Norwegian plant species.

With more commercial and private purchases, the risk of new pests gaining a foothold in Norway increases, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority warned.

“If you buy plants from abroad, the risk of pests and plant diseases that can cause great and irreparable damage increases. If we are not careful when buying plants and soil from other countries, it can have major consequences,” section manager for plants Are Sletta in the Norwegian Food Safety Authority noted.

Plants can be infected with diseases without symptoms and become ill long after entering the country. That makes it difficult to detect the pests and start treatment before they spread and are no longer possible to eradicate.

“Our experience is that many people buy plants online and via social media, without being aware of the consequences it can have and the requirements in the regulations. That worries us,” Sletta added.

Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayNews

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