In fact, CBP intercepted two destructive insect pests, an Ochrostomus sp. (Lygaeidae), commonly known as a seed bug, in a shipment of Brazilian grapes on October 5, and Diaphania sp., commonly known as a cucumber moth, in a shipment of Costa Rican pumpkins October 7, respectively.
In light of the situation, U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) entomologist identified it as a first-in-port discovery in the Delaware Valley – a new local pest threat.
To remind, CBP agriculture specialists inspect tons of imported commodities aboard aircraft and cargo ships, and in baggage carried by passengers on international flights, in order to ensure food safety and to protect against invasive insects.
Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists are on the frontline against the extraordinary threat posed by invasive insects and highly pathogenic animal and plant diseases that threaten our economic security. Our agriculture specialists in the Baltimore Field Office inspect hundreds of millions of pounds of fruit, vegetables, and meats a year to ensure they are fit for our tables and will not harm America’s agriculture.
....Casey Durst, Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Baltimore Field Office, noted.
For the records, annually, CBP agriculture specialists in the Port of Philadelphia and Wilmington reviewed documents for over 71,000 agriculture shipments while inspecting an additional 26,000 shipments to ensure that the commodities are free from pests, contaminants, and pathogens.
Overall, US CBP recently published a marine circular to advise the maritime industry of the importance of foreign AGM free certification inspections.
