Imports, Inspections of Avocados From Mexico Resume

Inspections and imports of fresh avocado from Mexico have resumed, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced Feb. 18. The agency previously suspended avocado export program operations in the Mexican state of Michoacan, the only Mexican state currently authorized for the export of avocados, on Feb. 11 after a threatening phone call was received by an APHIS official conducting an inspection (see 2202140039).

APHIS "enacted additional measures that enhance safety for APHIS’ inspectors working in the field" after working closely with "the U.S. Embassy in Mexico’s Regional Security Officer, Mexico’s national plant protection organization (SENASICA), and the Association of Avocado Producers and Packers Exporters of Mexico (APEAM)," the agency said. "The safety of USDA employees simply doing their jobs is of paramount importance. USDA is appreciative of the positive, collaborative relationship between the United States and Mexico that made resolution of this issue possible in a timely manner."