U.S. Halts Mexican Avocado Imports After USDA Worker Receives Threatening Message

The U.S. government has suspended all imports of Mexican avocados after a U.S. plant safety inspector in the country received a threat. The decision could have a significant impact on the Mexican avocado industry which nears $3 billion in annual exports. Mexico’s Agriculture Department has acknowledged the decision, releasing a statement that named avocado exports and growers as the last victims of the drug cartel battles. In the interim, it’s being reported that additional security for USDA officials in Mexico may be needed for expedited resolution to the suspension.

The U.S. embassy said in a social media post that it is working with the Mexican government to guarantee security conditions that will allow operations to resume. The suspension comes after the Mexican avocado region Michoacan – the only state approved to send avocados to the U.S. – has been exporting to the U.S. for roughly 25 years.

Read more on the suspension here.