APHIS Allows Imports of New Zealand Persimmons

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will allow imports of fresh persimmons from New Zealand, subject to certain conditions, it said in a final rule. Requirements include orchard certification, orchard pest control, post-harvest safeguards, fruit culling, traceback, sampling, and treatment with either hot water or modified atmosphere treatment. The persimmons would also have to be accompanied by a certificate from the New Zealand government saying they meet all these requirements and were inspected and found free of pests. The final rule takes effect Nov. 2.