WASHING TON: Instead the USDA said Chilean lemons will be allowed for import after Chilean growers and packers put in place a series of measures to lower the risk of introducing the Chilean false red mite (Brevipalpus chilensis) into the U.S., according to a news release.
Previously, Chilean lemons were allowed into the U.S. only after they were treated with methyl bromide.
The series of measures includes registration of production sites, a citrus wash-and-rinse protocol to remove the mite, and inspection in Chile. Other Chilean citrus are required to follow those same steps.
Shipments containing mites will not be allowed into the U.S. must be fumigated with methyl bromide, according to the release.
The USDA said Chile’s Ministry of Agriculture estimates that approximately 60% of Chile’s lemon exports to the U.S. will be able to use the new procedures rather than undergo fumigation.
That would total less than 3% of U.S. lemon imports, and less than 2% of U.S. fresh lemon consumption.
