Federal agricultural officials are seeking public input on a proposal that could significantly expand pineapple imports from Taiwan to the United States.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has completed risk assessment studies examining the potential expansion of Taiwanese pineapple imports. Under current regulations, only fresh pineapples that are at least 50 percent Smooth Cayenne variety by genetic lineage can enter the U.S. from Taiwan, and these shipments are restricted to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Taiwan’s plant protection agency has requested permission to ship any pineapple variety to all American states and territories. In response, federal inspectors have conducted comprehensive evaluations of potential plant disease and invasive weed threats that could accompany expanded imports.
The assessment documents, which include proposed safety measures to address identified risks, are now available for public review and comment. The studies examine what protective steps would be necessary to prevent harmful pests from entering the continental United States along with the tropical fruit shipments.
