Colombian mangos gain access to US

Colombia’s fresh mangoes are now authorised to be imported to the US market. A release by USDA pest management agency APHIS said:

“Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we have determined that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of fresh mango fruit from Colombia.”

Under the regulations, the mangoes must be treated with an APHIS-approved treatment for Anastrepha spp. fruit flies and Medfly (Ceratitis capitata), which is either hot water or irradiation.

Mangos are harvested twice a year in Colombia with one period of high and another period of low supply. Peak season in Colombia falls between January and March, which coincides with Peru’s season and the start of Mexico’s.