US Suspends Avocado and Mango Inspections in Mexico Due to Security Concerns, Reports Reuters

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – The United States has halted safety inspections for avocados and mangos from Michoacán, a leading agricultural state in Mexico, due to a security incident involving staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A USDA spokesperson confirmed the suspension on Monday.

Despite the pause in inspections, exports from Michoacán are not blocked, and shipments of avocados and mangos already en route will not be impacted. Inspections will remain suspended "until further notice," as officials assess the security situation and establish necessary protocols.

A prolonged halt to avocado inspections could significantly affect one of Mexico’s key agricultural exports, which have gained popularity among U.S. consumers in recent years. The USDA has stated that it will continue to assess the safety programs until adequate safeguards are implemented.

The decision to temporarily suspend inspections was prompted by an incident during a protest supporting local police in the municipality of Paracho last Saturday. Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramirez indicated that he has been in ongoing communication with U.S. officials since Sunday, assuring them that appropriate export conditions are in place.

Mexico’s agriculture ministry has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the situation. In 2022, U.S. officials had also briefly suspended avocado shipments from Michoacán, citing similar security concerns related to inspector safety due to gang violence in the region.