U.S. Halts Avocado Imports From Mexico After Security Incident

More than 80 percent of avocados in the U.S. come from Mexico, so any disruption in the supply chain can cause headaches at the grocery store. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture just halted the import of certain avocados after some of its employees faced reported security concerns in the Mexican state of Michoacán. 

On June 14, the USDA notified the Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico (APEAM) that it was suspending new avocado shipments from Michoacán until further notice after a reported safety incident in the state. According to The New York Times, the agency didn’t say why it was doing so, but Mexican news outlet Quadratin reported that two USDA inspectors were detained by local community members at a checkpoint. The USDA is pausing inspections on avocados and mangos in Michoacán while it conducts an investigation and ensures the safety of its personnel. 

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico confirmed that the inspectors were no longer detained. Mexican exports aren't blocked, and avocado imports from neighboring Jalisco are continuing as usual. Any avocados and mangos that are already in transit to the U.S. haven't been affected, but the USDA halted the import of any non-inspected shipments. 

It's the second time in two years that the U.S. has stopped avocado imports from Michoacán amid gang violence and extortion. In February 2022, the U.S. instituted a ban for one week while the local government put a security plan in place after a threat against an inspector. 

Brace yourself next time you hit the produce aisle.