The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has proposed allowing imports of fresh pummelo fruit from Thailand into the continental United States.

After analyzing the potential plant pest risks, APHIS scientists determined that they can be safely imported under a systems approach - a series of measures taken by growers, packers, and shippers to minimize pest risks prior to importation.

The proposed rule was published on March 29 and comments will be accepted for 60 days.

"In this case, the systems approach requires multiple safeguards including irradiation treatment, packinghouse processing requirements, and port of entry inspection," it said.

"APHIS will carefully consider all comments received by the deadline May 28, 218 and then make its decision regarding any change to the Agency’s import regulations for pummelo from Thailand into the continental United States."

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