TThe US has suspended avocado shipments from Mexico following an incident that allegedly threatened the safety of American agricultural inspectors.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture notified Mexican Avocado Producers and Packers of the decision on the evening of June 14, according to a notice from the trade group seen by Bloomberg. Although the statement does not describe the incident, local media say two inspectors were detained against their will and attacked amid a protest against police pay.
The suspension is the second U.S. suspension of Mexican avocados in the past two and a half years, temporarily cutting off primary supplies of the popular fruit to Americans. Mexico exports the vast majority of its avocados to the US
Mexican authorities have struggled to maintain safe conditions in the state of Michoacan, the country’s biggest avocado producer, where gang violence and extortion are rampant. A ban in February 2022, triggered by a threat against an inspector, lasted a week while the Michoacán government implemented a security plan.
An APEAM spokesperson had no immediate comment. A call and email to the USDA were not immediately returned.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
