The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) has implemented restrictions with immediate effect on all commercial shipments of fresh Mexican figs (Ficus carica) to the United States to prevent the Mediterranean black fig fly (MBFF) (Silba adipata McAlpine) from entering the country after its presence was detected in figs from the state of Morelos.
APHIS modified import requirements to require Mexican shipments of fresh figs from areas affected by MBFF to be treated with 400 Gy irradiation. Fresh fig production areas in Mexico that are not affected by MMBFF will continue to be treated with 150 Gy irradiation to mitigate fruit flies (Anastrepha spp., Tephritidae), but will now require a Phytosanitary Certificate with an additional statement indicating that the fruit was produced in an area free of MBFF.
The shipments of fresh figs that are currently produced in Mexico's Fruit Fly Free Area must include a phytosanitary certificate issued by Mexico's national plant protection organization with an additional statement that the shipment was produced in an area free of MBFF.
Source: simfruit.cl
