The US Department of Agriculture has suspended the importation of avocados and mangoes from Mexico due to the abduction of two of its workers in Michoacan, a state plagued by cartel violence. The USDA confirmed the temporary halt of produce inspections, although the exact reason for the move remains unclear.
Mexican news outlets reported that two USDA inspectors were kidnapped in Michoacan, sparking concerns about the safety of workers and the reliability of produce imports. Michoacan is notorious for cartel activity, with community police forces allegedly serving as fronts for drug cartels.
According to reports, the kidnapped inspectors were employed by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of imported fruits and vegetables. The halt in inspections has raised concerns about the potential impact on the US food supply chain.
Mexico’s Agriculture Secretary, Cuauthemoc Ramirez Romero, has stated that the government has spoken with US officials and resolved the issue, suggesting that importations may resume in the coming days.
