Worms in US apples

"EMPTY boxes, empty promises", read a sign put up by the Washington Apple Commission, to protest against Japan's "unfair" ban on American apples, at a recent food exhibition in Osaka.

The organisation that represents growers producing 60 per cent of the US apple crop said Japan has been rejecting import of the fruit through rules that aim to control pests and diseases. A Japanese agricultural ministry official, however, said "negotiations would continue until it is proved American apples have no bugs".