U.S. sets import conditions for Chilean fruit

U.S. sets import conditions for Chilean fruit The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will open up the importation of Chilean clementines, mandarins and tangerines under certain handling and treatment conditions, starting Jan. 10.
   “Based on the evidence in a recent pest risk assessment and an accompanying risk management document, we believe these articles can be safely imported from all provinces of Chile, provided certain conditions are met,” the agency said.
   Chile asked that methyl bromide remain an option for treatment in cases when pests are found during routine inspections. Chile’s national plant protection organization and the Chilean Exporters Association said the fumigation option should be allowed to take place in either Chile or at the first port of arrival in the United States, noting that this is already permitted for other commodities imported from Chile.
   Chilean producers plan to export about 1,600 metric tons of clementines, mandarins, and tangerines to the United States, USDA said.