Washington, D.C., [May 2, 2019] - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared and is accepting comment on a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with importation of fresh mombin fruit (Spondias mombin L. and S. purpurea L.) 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 mombin fruit from Mexico. We are making the PRA and the risk management document outlining those measures available to the public for review and comment. To safeguard U.S. agriculture the importation of fresh mombin 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. Conditions that would apply include: fresh mombin would be imported in commercial shipments only; before mombin fruit could be imported it must undergo inspection by Mexico’s national plant protection organization; phytosanitary treatment would be required before shipments could be imported; and, additional inspection at the port where the fruit enters the continental United States would be required. 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-2019-0012. After reviewing the comments, APHIS will announce its decision regarding the import status of fresh mombin fruit from Mexico in a final notice.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
