Methyl bromide no longer an option for Chilean prunes exported to USA

Since April 1, 2021, all consignments of fresh plums (Prunus domestica) from Chile for export to the United States had to be treated either by irradiation with a minimum absorbed dose of 400 Gy upon arrival in the United States or fumigation with methyl bromide in Chile under the preclearance program. This requirement followed the interception of European Grapevine Moth (EGVM) (Lobesia botrana) larvae and pupae at the port of export (see news item dated April 5, 2021), following which APHIS determined that fresh plum consignments destined for the United States from Chile pose a significant phytosanitary risk to the United States domestic fruit industry, especially grapes,.

On June 1, 2021 APHIS announced a change in the Fruits and Vegetables Import Requirements (FAVIR) Database for Chilean plums into all ports. Methyl bromide fumigation in the country of origin under the preclearance program is no longer a treatment option. The sole APHIS-approved treatment option is now irradiation with a minimum absorbed dose of 400 Gy upon arrival in the United States.