The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency (APHIS) is seeking comments on the draft pest risk assessment it has published for proposed Colombian fresh mango imports.

The organization is welcoming comments on the document until May 1.

If approved, U.S. importers would be able to source from one of Latin America's biggest mango-growing countries to complement supplies from countries including Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Australia and Guatemala.

"Based on the market access request submitted by Colombia, we considered the pathway to include the following processes and conditions: washing," APHIS said.

"The risk ratings in this risk assessment are contingent upon the application of all components of the pathway as described in this document."

Although Colombia is a huge producer of mangoes, it only exports a very small proportion of that fruit to overseas markets, with Europe and Canada among its main destinations. Colombia produces mangoes year-round, but with peak volumes arriving in May through September.