The US has halted safety inspections for avocados and mangos from the Mexican state of Michoacán following a security incident involving USDA staff. This pause impacts future inspections but does not affect produce currently in transit. A prolonged suspension could impact Mexico’s crucial avocado exports to the US, one of its top farm exports. The USDA spokesperson stated that inspections will remain on hold until security protocols are reviewed and in place.
The temporary suspension was triggered by an incident at a local police protest in Paracho. Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramirez assured US officials that proper export conditions were maintained. While Mexico’s agriculture ministry has not yet commented, this is not the first time such suspensions have occurred. In 2022, avocado shipments were briefly suspended due to security concerns related to gang violence in Michoacán.