Country: United States

Title: Recall of Ya Pears from China

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Report:

APHIS inspectors have made numerous detections of a quarantine significant disease, Alternaria sp. on commercial shipments of Ya pears from China. This disease, which has only recently been described by USDA scientists, is considered economically significant and is not present in the United States. Infested fruit has been found in marketplaces in a number of States. 

In response, APHIS is taking the following actions: 

• Issuing a National Emergency Action Notification to recall all Ya pears from China in commerce in the United States;
• Prohibiting new shipments from making entry into the United States; and
• Working in conjunction with State cooperators to ensure that all Ya pears are taken out of commerce.

In coordination with APHIS, recalled product can be destroyed by incineration or deep landfill after freezing for 24 hours. Recall Procedures:

• Wholesale distributors will stop distribution of all Ya pears from China to retailers.
• Large retailers may return Ya pears to their distribution centers for destruction. The fruit will be placed in double plastic bags, frozen for 24 hours and disposed in trash destined for a landfill.
• Small retailers should double bag the fruit. Freeze it for 24 hours, if possible. The fruit can then be disposed in trash destined for a landfill.

We continue to appreciate the cooperation of State officials in locating any remaining infested products in the marketplace. Please advise consumers who contact you on this issue to double (plastic) bag any Ya pears from China and dispose in trash destined for landfill. 

Information will soon be available on the APHIS website under “Hot Issues.” 

Posted Date: Dec. 19, 2003, 9 a.m.