dragon fruit generic

The US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) says it will allow Thai dragon fruit into the country subject to phytosanitary irradiation treatment.

It believes the risk of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds can be mitigated by phytosanitary treatment.

The national plant protection organisation (NPPO) of Thailand is required to inspect all consignments, whether they are irradiated in the US or prior to their arrival.

In the event that fruit is irradiated upon its arrival in the US, the USDA-APHIS will carry out a joint inspection with the Thai NPPO.

The decision took effect on 4 October.