The United States has refused entry to several shipments of Indian mangoes, citing irregularities in radiation treatment documentation. According to The Economic Times, authorities at airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta rejected 15 consignments after finding discrepancies in the required paperwork.
The affected mango shipments had undergone radiation treatment in Mumbai on May 8 and 9, a process mandated to ensure the fruit is pest-free and suitable for export. However, inconsistencies in the certification related to the irradiation process led US officials to deem the shipments non-compliant with import standards.
Exporters were given the option to either destroy the cargo or re-export it to India. Most chose to dispose of the mangoes, resulting in an estimated financial loss of $500,000 (approximately Rs. 140.98 million).
Exporters have voiced concern over the losses, noting that radiation treatment is a standard phytosanitary measure required for international trade. The incident underscores the importance of strict compliance with documentation requirements in global exports.
Source: ARY News