FDA Tests Mexican Produce Before It Enters The U.S. Border
The nation's recent salmonella outbreak is prompting increased security at the border

Wednesday, Jul 09, 2008 - 11:48 AM Updated: 12:04 PM


The nation's recent salmonella outbreak is prompting increased security at the border. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to test some foods from Mexico for salmonella, before they enter the U.S. Lupita Murillo reports.

Tuscon, AZ -- This produce shipment just arrived into Nogales, Arizona from Mexico. Ciruli Brothers is among the largest importers of Mangos in the country. All produce coming thru the U.S. Mexico border is subject to inspection by the Food and Drug Administration.

As of this weekend, serrano and jalapenos are being sampled a little more intensively.

Lupita Murillo, reporting: "Here at the Mariposa port of entry is where FDA inspections are taking place, and it's here where the FDA is stepping up its inspections on tomatoes, cilantro, serrano, and chile jalapenos."

Because of security measures, we weren't allowed in the inspection center, but increased inspections are causing concern among the produce industry.

Jesse Driskill, President, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas: "If this continues for an indefinite period of time, yeah, it's shortening the shelf life and we could have some product that could become damaged."

That's because this specialized testing takes longer, and produce is a highly perishable product. So, while the trucks can unload the produce in the warehouses, the product has to sit there until the FDA completes the testing. The longer it sits the more it loses value.

Chris Ciruli says the shelf life of a mango is 21 days. This shipment made it through the border just in time. However, members of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas are willing to do what's necessary.

Chris Ciruli, fresh produce importer: "We're committed to working with the FDA through this problem of salmonella, finding out what is the cause, making is safer for everybody, and then going forward."

All in an effort to keep the public safe.

The Centers for Disease Control is focusing on fresh salsas...and not those sold in cans, jars, or plastic containers.

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