Despite the difficult circumstances, the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) is continuing to inspect export fruit across South Africa.PPECB chief executive officer Lucien Jansen told Freight News that all inspectors and assessors had been issued with the necessary personal protective equipment and permits to deliver this essential service, but they were operating on the frontline and many staff members often felt exposed.Safeguarding employees was the first priority, but the organisation remained committed to delivering its full suite of services to the perishable product export industry, he said.
“We do have contingency plans in place should the situation deteriorate and we monitor the situation continuously. Our major concern remains if someone at one of our activity points should test positive,” said Jansen.
“This may have an impact on the way we conduct business and our contingency plans will in this case be ac tivated.”He said due to many schedule changes introduced at packhouses and other facilities because of the lockdown in the country, PPECB inspectors had been forced to remain as f lexible as possible to avoid blocking the chain and to ensure fruit exports kept moving.
While the PPECB offered an essential service, there had been problems at some roadblocks in the country with inspectors sometimes being held up by traffic officers leading to slight delays.Despite the numerous challenges Jansen said the PPECB remained committed to the task at hand.
