Japan Bans Indian Mangoes After 20 Years. Food Officials Found This

Japan has suspended mango imports from India after its quarantine officials found lapses in pest-control procedures at Indian treatment facilities during inspections earlier this year. The move has disrupted exports during the crucial summer mango season and affected premium Indian varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, Langra and Banganapalli. The suspension marks the first such restriction in nearly two decades. Japan had earlier banned Indian mangoes over fruit fly concerns and lifted those curbs only in 2006 after India strengthened its treatment protocols. Before every mango export season, Japan sends quarantine officials to inspect India's Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT) facilities. These centres are responsible for disinfecting mangoes before they are exported. This year's inspection was conducted in March at the VHT facility in Rehmanpur, Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, Japanese officials found deficiencies related to fumigation and disinfection procedures at the facility.