USDA-APHIS modified its regulations to allow the export of fresh tree tomato from Ecuador to continental United States. APHIS determined that the fruit from Ecuador can be imported safely under a systems approach.
The systems approach includes requirements for fruit fly capture, pre-harvest inspections, and indicates that only the fruit from approved production sites can enter the United States. In addition, packers must implement procedures to prevent the movement of quarantine pests.
The commercial shipments must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the national plant protection organization of Ecuador, stating that the shipment was produced and prepared for export in accordance with the requirements of the US Code of Federal Regulations 319.56-77.
APHIS experts have determined that these measures will mitigate any entry of pests into the United States. The final rule became effective on November 1, 2018.
Source: larepublica.ec
