Country: United States

Title: Detections of Live Anastrepha sp. larvae in Manzano (Rocoto) peppers

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Multiple finds of live Anastrepha sp. larvae have been detected in Manzano (Rocoto) peppers (Capsicum pubescens c.v. Rocoto) on the Texas/Mexican border from shipments from Mexico and in several food stores in Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York. Effective May 1, 2003, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) suspended imports of Manzano (Rocoto) peppers from Mexico. At this time, Manzano (Rocoto) peppers from Mexico are not allowed entry into the United States. Other types of peppers from Mexico will be inspected and cut at a higher rate.

- In peppers destined to AZ, CA, FL, LA, and TX -- 4% of the boxes will be inspected; two fruit per box will be cut; the floors of the boxes and bottoms of the trucks will be looked at intensely for pupae.

- If destined to other locations -- 2% of the boxes will be inspected; two fruit per box will be cut; the floors of the boxes and bottoms of the trucks will be looked at intensely for pupae.

APHIS in collaboration with State and local agricultural officials, produce wholesalers and retailers has taken restrictive measures to minimize the risks from products currently in the United States, including eliminating this fruit from the States of Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. Fruit already in these States is being removed from store shelves and distribution centers and is being destroyed. Re-export of these peppers out of these States to other States is disallowed. In addition, distribution centers outside of the 5 citrus producing States are prohibited from distributing Manzano (Rocoto) peppers to Arizona, California, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. 

Posted Date: May 5, 2003, 9 a.m.