US Customs sees influx of undeclared fruits & vegetables
CBP agriculture specialists, assessed $6,850 in civil penalties in 31 incidents Since Jan. 4. Some of the prohibited food and agriculture products seized during recent days include avocados, oranges, tangerines, mandarins, sweet limes, apples, guavas, mamey, cherimoya, sugar cane, potted plants and others. CBP agriculture specialists have made 827 plant quarantine material interceptions since the start of the period. Those include undeclared and declared items.
“This is a common occurrence after the holiday period and one of the reasons we always encourage travelers to visit CBP’s Know Before You Go webpage before they travel,” said CBP El Paso Port Director, Beverly Good. “Returning travelers can avoid most of these violations and penalties if they follow the guidance we outline in advance of the holiday travel period.”
The reminder is to help stop plant pests and disease, as well as invasive plant material, which can cause crop loss and also damage lawns, ornamental plants, and trees. Plant pest infestations can result in increased costs to consumers due to pest eradication efforts as well as lower crop yields. High risk plant pest and animal disease outbreaks within the U.S. could also adversely affect the economy as a result of reduced trade of U.S. origin goods to countries around the world.
source: demingheadlight.com
