USDA PROPOSES IRRADIATION RULES
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has proposed rules to allow for the irradiation of fruit and vegetable imports.
The agency says irradiation would help to eliminate up to 10 species of fruit flies in these shipments. Fruit fly infestations have been particularly devastating to U.S. agriculture.
APHIS says it will take comments from the industry on the proposed rules through July 25. The rules can be viewed on the Internet at www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.