Outcome of the public consultation on the draft Scientific Opinion on the risk of Phyllosticta citricarpa (Guignardia citricarpa) for the EU territory with identification and evaluation of risk reduction options

EFSA’s Scientific Panel on Plant Health (PLH) has undertaken a public consultation on the draft Scientific Opinion on the risk to plant health of Phyllosticta citricarpa (synonym Guignardia citricarpa) for the EU territory. The draft scientific opinion was prepared by a dedicated working group of the PLH Panel and it assesses the risks posed by Phyllosticta citricarpa (synonym Guignardia citricarpa) for the EU territory. The draft Scientific Opinion also identifies risk reduction opinions and includes an evaluation of their effectiveness in reducing the risk to plant health posed by these harmful organisms. As part of its assessment, the PLH Panel was asked to provide a Scientific Opinion on the effectiveness of the present EU requirements against Phyllosticta citricarpa (synonym Guignardia citricarpa) in reducing the risk of introduction of these pests into the EU territory. Following the endorsement of the draft Scientific Opinion by the PLH Panel, the public consultation was launched on 31 July 2013 and closed on 12 September 2013. EFSA has committed to publish a technical report on the outcome of the public consultation on the draft Scientific Opinion. This technical report summarises the comments received through the public consultation and presents the responses of the PLH Panel to the comments.