Commercial shipments of fresh cherimoya fruit from Chile are currently imported into all U.S. ports after a soapy water and wax treatment to prevent the false red mite from entering the country. At the request of Chilean officials, APHIS scientists evaluated whether fresh cherimoya fruit could be safely imported using a systems approach, and provided opportunity for public comment.After analyzing the plant pest risks, APHIS determined that the fruit could safely enter the continental United States under a systems approach, which is series of measures taken by growers, packers, and shippers that minimize the risk of importing plant pests. The systems approach requires: Shipments that do not pass initial inspection may still be imported if the fruit is treated with soapy water and wax and completes additional inspection in Chile.APHIS experts have determined that these measures will protect the United States from the false red mite. The final rule will become effective on April 30, 2018, 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
