Washington, D.C., [May 2, 2019] - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with the importation of fresh sapodilla fruit (Manilkara zapota van Royen) from Mexico into the continental United States. Based on the analysis, APHIS scientists have determined the measures needed to protect against introducing or spreading pests or noxious weeds through the importation of fresh sapodilla fruit from Mexico. We are making the pest risk analysis and risk management document outlining those measures available to the public for review and comment. To safeguard U.S. agriculture the importation of fresh sapodilla from Mexico would be subject to a series of measures taken by growers, packers and shippers that, in combination, minimize pest risks before a product is imported in the continental United States. Specifically, the following conditions would apply: fresh sapodilla would be imported in commercial shipments only; before the fruit could be imported it would have to undergo inspections by Mexico’s national plant protection organization; phytosanitary treatments would be required to take place before sapodilla shipments could be imported; and, inspections would be required at the port where the sapodilla fruit enters the continental United States. Mexico would have to issue a phytosanitary certificate stating that the consignment was inspected and found free of quarantine pests. Mexico would have to enter into an operational workplan with APHIS that spells out the daily procedures the country will take to implement the protective measures identified. You may view this notice in the Federal Register and submit comments until they close on July 1, 2019 here: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2019-0014. After reviewing the comments, APHIS will announce its decision regarding the import status of fresh sapodilla fruit from Mexico in a final notice.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
