US bans Spanish bell pepper imports amid phytosanitary concerns

摘要

US authorities have banned the import of fresh bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) from Spain to prevent the spread of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), also known as Medfly. On December 29, the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced that the measure would come into effect that day, after multiple detections of the Medfly in cargoes coming from Spain during customs inspections.