Vietnam Star Apples Qualified for US Market

 

Earlier, in a federal register released on July 19, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) completed a thorough pest risk assessment finding that fresh star apple fruit from Vietnam can be safely imported into the United States. 

 

Based on its analysis, APHIS concluded that the application of one or more of the following phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation into the continental United States of fresh star apple fruit from Vietnam.

 

These criteria include the imports of fresh star apples must be in commercial consignments only; each consignment must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of Vietnam; each consignment must be treated in accordance with 7 CFR Part 305 (Code of Federal Regulations); and each consignment is subject to inspection upon arrival at the port of entry.

 

APHIS is inviting comments through September 19 on a pest risk analysis that evaluates the risks associated with such imports. If APHIS’ overall conclusions and determination of risk remain unchanged after its consideration of any comments received, the importation of fresh star apple fruit from Vietnam into the continental US will be authorised, subject to the requirements specified in the risk management document.