Security concerns have prompted the United States Agriculture Department (U.S.D.A.) to suspend inspections of avocados and mangos imported from Mexico indefinitely.

While produce already cleared for export remains unaffected, future avocado supplies in the U.S., primarily sourced from Michoacán, could be impacted if inspections do not resume.

The U.S.D.A. stated that inspections will stay paused until a security review is completed and new protocols are established, DNYUZ has reported.

The specific security concerns were not detailed, but Mexican news reported that two U.S.D.A. inspectors were recently detained at a checkpoint by community members in Michoacán.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico confirmed that the inspectors have since been released.

Written by B.C. Begley