Jun 1, 2018

USDA APHIS says tree tomatoes from Ecuador can be imported

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will allow fresh tree tomatoes from Ecuador into the continental United States.  After careful analysis, APHIS scientists determined that tree tomatoes can be safely imported under a systems approach.

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 importation of commercial shipments only, orchard pest control, post-harvest safeguards, registration of orchards and packinghouses, and shipment identification. A phytosanitary certificate must also accompany each shipment stating that it meets these conditions.

This rule will be effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, or on July 5, 2018