The United States lifted a temporary ban on avocados from Mexico on Friday, allowing exports of the fruit to resume, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. The ban had been issued on Feb. 11 after a verbal threat was made to a U.S. inspector working in the country.

Why is avocado banned in America?

Avocados from Mexico have been fueling America's taste for the fruit since 1997, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture lifted a 1914 import ban, which originally was implemented due to fears over pests like seed weevils infesting U.S. crops.

Why are avocados being banned?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture banned imports of the fleshy fruit from Mexico on Feb. 11, 2022, after an employee of its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, who was working in Mexico, received threats after refusing to certify a mislabeled shipment of avocados.

Why is the US not allowing avocados from Mexico?

The ban, which went into effect on Saturday, was put in place after a USDA inspector received a verbal threat. Ongoing security concerns in Michoacán state have had U.S. officials concerned for years, but this was the first time inspections were suspended.

Why does the US have restrictions on the import of avocados?

The U.S. suspended avocado imports from Mexico after a USDA inspector received a threat — highlighting the violence and criminal influence over the supply of the fruit.

Mexico says conspiracy behind avocado ban; US cites violence

Has the avocado ban been lifted?

The U.S. has lifted its ban on avocados imported from Mexico, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced Friday. The decision comes after the USDA said one of its employees was threatened last week, prompting a halt in imports of the fruit.

How long did the avocado ban last?

The one-week suspension of imports of avocados from Mexico was lifted on Feb. 18, and shipments were expected to reach pre-suspension levels as soon as the week of Feb. 20. The suspension had been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Feb.

Are avocados controlled by the cartel?

This week, the U.S. briefly banned Mexican avocados after a U.S. inspector in the state of Michoacan reported receiving threats. But avocados and limes have long been used by drug cartels to help finance their violent business plans. Emily Green reports for VICE News from Mexico and joins us from Mexico City.

Why did Biden stop avocados?

The Biden administration announced a ban last week after a US inspector was verbally threatened. The ban sparked fears of an avocado shortage and a potential increase in prices.

Why do cartels want avocados?

“The cartels are certainly interested in avocados because of the revenues they produce.” Both Horenstein and Elizondo agreed that curbing the power of cartels, which generate huge profits through illegal enterprise, is a supremely complicated endeavor.

Where are avocados illegal?

The move is a blow to the Mexican state of Michoacán, which exports roughly $3 billion worth of the fruit annually. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month.

Should I buy avocados from Mexico?

That doesn't mean you should stop buying avocados altogether, experts say. Avocado farming in Mexico is a lifeline for a low-income part of the country, and simply boycotting the produce would likely do more harm than good. There are ways to limit your impact on ecosystems when shopping for these fruits.

Which country produces the best avocado?

Mexico. Mexico is the top avocado producing country in the world. The total avocado production area is around 415,520 acres, which produces 1.52 million metric tons every year. The majority of the avocados in Mexico, 86%, are grown in the following states: Puebla, Morelos, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Mexico.

Is it safe to eat avocados?

Overly soft but unspoiled avocados are safe to eat and can be used to make guacamole, smoothies, salad dressing, and baked goods. If they taste fine, you can eat overripe avocados, but be sure to avoid spoiled ones.

Is there a problem with avocados?

According to some studies, avocados are among the 3 crops causing more water stress in their region of production and UNESCO's research shows that they have a global average water footprint of 1981 m3/ton.