The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) has published two pest risk analyses in which the agency concludes that three new fresh fruit items from Chile could be allowed entry to the US provided certain phytosanitary requirements are met.
The analyses – one for fresh figs and pomegranates and the other for fresh baby kiwifruit – evaluate the risks associated with the import of the three fruits into the continental US.
Based on those analyses, APHIS said it believes that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the import of figs, pomegranates and baby kiwifruit from Chile.
The pest risk analyses, as well as an environmental assessment prepared in connection with this action, are now available for public review and comment, APHIS said.
After reviewing the comments received, APHIS will announce its decision regarding the import status of fresh figs, pomegranates and baby kiwifruit from Chile.
Notice of this action was published in the 9 February Federal Register. Consideration will be given to comments received on or before 12 April.
