Argentina authorities have reportedly detected fruit fly in lemons due to be exported to the U.S., weeks after the first shipments of the fruit took place after a long hiatus in the market.

The detection was made by phytosanitary watchdog Senasa in Tucuman, a major lemon-growing region in the country's northwest, El Cronista [in Spanish] reported.

However, the province's governor, Juan Manzur, said that controls would be strengthened and exports to the U.S. would not be suspended.

"There is no kind of restriction nor situation that can affect our exports to the U.S.," he was quoted as saying. 

He also referred to the detection as an "inconvenience that is solved quickly" and said the industry would continue to comply with quality regulations stipulated by the U.S.

Three weeks ago Argentine President Mauricio Macri took part in an elated ceremony as the country’s citrus sector dispatched its first lemon shipment for the U.S. market in 17 years. 

Argentine growers expected to export 15,000-20,000MT to the U.S. market this year, with fruit to be packed in 10 different approved facilities including eight in Tucumán and two in Salta.

On May 1, 2017, the USDA announced it would not extend a stay on Argentine lemon imports, effectively reopening the market for growers in the South American country.

The development was met by fierce opposition from much of the U.S. citrus industry, who raised concerns about the potential entry of pests and diseases.

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