The Ministry for Primary Industries says it is fixing an error that left gold kiwifruit off a list of New Zealand fruit that can be imported into China, sparking industry fears the lucrative export could be caught up in a Chinese bio-security clampdown.
Concerned industry sources contacted the Herald last night after MPI confirmed the Chinese authorities had placed a "temporary suspension" on imports of kiwi berries.
"This is because China intends to conduct a risk assessment of kiwi berries for bio-security purposes," an MPI spokesman said last night.
The berries are similar in size to grapes but resemble kiwifruit and have a smooth, edible skin.
The Herald understands that China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) previously allowed imports of the kiwi berries, known as Actinidia arguta, due to their similarity to green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa).