American inspectors were involved in altercations during a protest in support of local police in the town of Paracho de Verduzco.
The United States has temporarily suspended inspections of avocados and mangoes from the Mexican state of Michoacán due to a security incident, as reported by TASR based on Reuters.
Efforts for Security Assurances “The inspection program will remain suspended until the security situation is reassessed and security protocols and guidelines are implemented,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). They added that the suspension of inspections does not apply to avocados and mangoes already in transit.
Inspectors from the USDA were involved in altercations during a protest in support of local police in the town of Paracho de Verduzco on Saturday. Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez stated on Monday that his government is communicating with U.S. authorities to provide assurances and certainty regarding the export of products from this state.
The USDA and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A long-term suspension of avocado inspections could seriously impact the export of this fruit, whose popularity among American consumers has been increasing in recent years, writes Reuters.
The USDA inspects agricultural products imported into the U.S. to determine if they meet established requirements and are free from harmful substances, according to the department’s website.
