APHIS has drafted a pest risk assessment for the importation of fresh Orange (Citrus sinensis) and Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) for consumption from Egypt into the United States. The assessment describes potential pests associated with the commodity. This pest risk assessment will update a Federal Register notice published in 2013 (USDA-APHIS, 2013) that included a pest list and the U.S. geographic areas that can receive these imports.

APHIS shares draft pest risk assessments to determine whether stakeholders have information that might lead us to revise the draft assessment before we identify pest mitigations and proceed with the commodity import approval process. APHIS is extending the comment period to give stakeholders additional time to submit comments. The draft pest risk assessment for fresh orange and tangerine will be available for review and comment until March 14, 2023. To view the assessment or submit comments, go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/risk-assessment-consultation

Source: aphis.usda.gov