Chilean Fruit Exporters Association Affirms Compliance with USDA

The Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) affirmed today that it is in full compliance with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements for the importation of fresh fruit into the U.S.  The statement is in response to the detection of a fruit fly focal point in Cerro Yungay, Chile, close to the Port of Valparaiso. ASOEX officials are in frequent contact with the Chilean Phytosanitary Agency and Port authorities, shipping companies, exporters and growers, industry suppliers and others engaged in providing fresh Chilean fruit to North American markets. Their objective is to analyze the situation and implement a permanent solution to it. Among the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association’s highest priorities is to be in full compliance with all of the USDA’s food safety standards, not only at the point of production but throughout the supply chain. To this effect, fruit loaded at the Port of Valparaiso must use micro-punctured bags or protection nets on the pallets if the fruit does not arrive at the port in sealed containers from their respective packing stations.  This protocol will be in place from January 12 through the season. On January 12, 2013 the first vessel complying with this protocol will be loaded with Chilean fruit bound for U.S. markets.  ASOEX does not foresee any impact on volume entering the North American market, and is anticipating strong, consistent supply throughout the season.