U.S. bans imports of Peruvian pomegranate arils
The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prohibited imports of pomegranate arils from Peru, citing phytosanitary concerns.
The action, which is effective immediately, is in response to two detections of Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) larvae in commercial shipments of the arils, APHIS said.
Prior to this Federal Order, pomegranate arils were allowed to be imported into the U.S. with inspection at the first port of entry.
In May 2018, Customs and Border Protection Agriculture Specialists at Los Angeles International Airport detected Medfly larvae in two commercial consignments.
APHIS has determined that a ban is immediately necessary to prevent the entry of the pest, pending an investigation and "appropriate remedial measures".
"This prohibition does not affect the commercial importation of whole pomegranate fruit from Peru, which remain enterable with treatment," it said.
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