According to Fogel, the use of methyl bromide is forbidden in the country, and Israeli-grown blueberries are not treated with it.
According to the importers, the blueberries do not have traces of pesticides on them when they are sold, Ynet reported. The Health Ministry demands that the blueberries be treated with the chemical in order to be imported, after which the chemical evaporates from them, the Viva company told Ynet.
"We are in favor of competition in the market," Fogel said. "But we were surprised to find that a condition of receiving a license to import blueberries to Israel is that the fruit arrive after being treated with methyl bromide, which as you know is a chemical that is forbidden for use in Israel."
Fogel also questioned the different standards for Israeli and foreign blueberry farmers.