CINCINNATI - Since January 1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists in Cincinnati have intercepted more than 4,850 pounds of prohibited mangoes, strawberry guava, and grugru fruit coming from Mexico.

Seized fruit
Seized fruit

The fresh fruit came in 97 separate packages from a single shipper in Morelos and were destined to multiple locations throughout the United States. The shipments were manifested as crafts, decorations, dried fruits, and flours.

“Our agriculture specialists work to protect our U.S. crops and food supply each and every day,” said CBP Cincinnati Supervisory Agriculture Specialist Barbara Hassan. “This is one example of how their dedication makes a difference to security of the American agriculture trade.”

Intercepted fruit
Intercepted fruit

Fresh produce is regulated to prevent the accidental introduction of foreign diseases and pests such as the mango seed weevil, guava weevils, and fruit flies. Fruit flies target more than 400 host plants, and their presence in the U.S. would cause major economic losses, costs associated with implementing control measures, and extensive damage to many American agricultural crops.