Importation of Fruits and Vegetables; Papayas From Brazil and Costa Rica

Résumé

We are reopening and extending the comment period on a proposal to allow the importation of papayas from Brazil in order to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on two additional safeguards we are proposing to add. These include requiring a hot water treatment and requiring that certain actions be taken if fruit fly captures reach certain levels in the papaya production areas. We are also proposing to add these safeguards to the requirements for importing papayas from Costa Rica, and are soliciting public comment on this action as well. These additional requirements appear necessary to prevent the introduction of injurious plant pests into the United States. Additionally, we will accept comments on any other issues involving the importation of papayas from Brazil.