Avocado exports from the Mexican state of Michoacán to the United States have been temporarily suspended after U.S. agricultural inspectors received threats allegedly linked to organized crime groups. The measure was taken to protect the safety of inspectors responsible for ensuring that shipments meet phytosanitary standards before entering the U.S.
Michoacán is Mexico’s largest avocado-producing state and supplies most of the fruit consumed in the United States. However, the growing influence of criminal cartels in the region has created serious security concerns for farmers, transporters, and inspectors, who have faced intimidation and extortion. As a result, authorities have paused inspections until safe working conditions can be guaranteed.
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Although the suspension is expected to be temporary, a prolonged interruption could reduce avocado supplies in the U.S., drive up consumer prices, and cause significant financial losses for thousands of Mexican growers.
Why were exports suspended if the avocados are safe to eat?
Because the decision is unrelated to the quality of the fruit. Instead, it was made in response to security threats against the inspectors responsible for approving shipments to the United States.
