USDA TO CHANGE IMPORT RULES FOR FILIPINO MANGOES

USDA TO CHANGE IMPORT RULES FOR FILIPINO MANGOES    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’ Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has proposed to amend its rules for importing mangoes from Guimaras Island, Philippines.
   “APHIS has assessed the pest risks associated with the importation of mangoes from Guimaras Island and has determined that mangoes may be safely imported under the conditions without introducing or spreading dangerous plant pests into the United States,” said Richard L. Dunkle, deputy administrator for plant protection and quarantine with APHIS.
   USDA will only allow mangoes grown on Guimaras Island because this area is free of the mango seed weevil, a pest not found in the United States. But because of the presence of fruit flies on the island, mangoes still have to be vapor heat treated under the supervision of an APHIS inspector.
   Mango shipments must also be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate stating that fruit is grown on Guimaras Island and has been treated against fruit files.