APHIS Proposes to Allow the Importation of Fresh Cape Gooseberry Fruit from Ecuador

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Washington, D.C., April 19, 2018 – the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to allow imports of fresh cape gooseberry fruit from Ecuador into the continental United States.  After careful analysis, APHIS scientists determined that these cape gooseberries can be safely imported under a systems approach to protect against the introduction of the Mediterranean fruit fly. 

A systems approach is a series of measures taken by growers, packers, and shippers that, in combination, minimize pest risks prior to importation into the United States.  In this case, the systems approach requires the establishment of pest-free places of production, labeling of boxes prior to shipping, and inspection of fruit after it is harvested.  A phytosanitary certificate stating that the cape gooseberries meet these conditions must also accompany all shipments.

APHIS will carefully consider all comments received by June 19, 2018.  This notice may be viewed in today’s Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/04/20/2018-08251/imports-fresh-cape-gooseberry-fruit-from-ecuador-to-the-continental-united-states.  Beginning tomorrow, members of the public will be able to submit comments at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2016-0009