Trade Minister Tim Groser has welcomed the ruling of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Appellate Body, which has found in New Zealand’s favour in Australia’s 90-year apple import ban.

“The appeal report upholds the thorough analysis undertaken by the WTO dispute panel around risk assessment and the science at issue,” Mr Groser said. These findings – reached by independent external arbiters – settled any debate, he said.

Aussie apple ban banned

Nearly a century of protectionism may be about to come to an end after Australia’s ban on New Zealand apple imports was ruled illegal by the World Trade Organisation.

Australia banned imports of New Zealand apples in the 1921, claiming there was a risk of spreading the fireblight apple tree disease to that country.

Australia’s near 90-year ban on New Zealand apple imports has finally been ruled illegal by a World Trade Organisation panel and the onus is on that country to conform to the finding.

Trade Minister Tim Groser has welcomed the decision, saying: “There are some procedural choices ahead of both parties in Geneva before the panel report has the force of international law, such as the right of appeal and cross appeal.

“However, fundamentally the ball is in Australia's court.”

The general perception of apples as a health-promoting food is reflected in the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and new research shows this may be close to the truth.

The reason, according to the results of a study by microbiologists at the University of Denmark’s National Food Institute, is that apples may be good for intestinal health because they boost the levels of good bacteria in the digestive system.