A major shipment of Indian mangoes was rejected by US authorities at key entry points, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta, due to documentation irregularities. The rejected shipments, worth an estimated $500,000, had undergone mandatory irradiation at a USDA-approved facility in Navi Mumbai.
Consequences:
- 15 mango shipments rejected
- Exporters opted for disposal in the US due to perishable nature and high return costs
- Significant loss for Indian exporters during peak mango season
Impact:
- Disruption in India's mango exports to the US, its largest market
- Damage to India's reputation in international markets
Call to Action:
- Exporters urge tighter coordination between authorities to prevent future occurrences
- Need for streamlined processes to protect India's export interests
