Audit of the high temperature forced air (HTFA) treatment pathway for the export of approved fruit fly host commodities to New Zealand.

Observational audit of the high temperature forced air (HTFA) treatment pathway for the export of approved fruit fly host commodities to New Zealand.

(A) Pathway Review - Mexican Table Grapes to NZ
(B) MPI/USDA Technical Plant Health Discussions
(C) Pathway Assessment - Tomatoes from Canada

The purpose of the visit was to assess the pathway for the import of Mexican limes (Citrus aurantiifolia) for consumption from New Caledonia, to assist MPI’s development of the import health standard (IHS) and appropriate phytosanitary measures.

The primary purpose of the visit to Thailand was:
◾For MPI to assess and review activities at the two irradiation facilities in order to approve/accredit the facilities against ISPM 18 to ensure the minimum irradiation requirements for lychee and longan to New Zealand are met.
◾To observe the production, and packing processes involved in the current export of lychee and longan to New Zealand (cold treatment), with a view to assist in the developments of a risk management proposal and official assurance programmes for the export of irradiated lychee and longan to New Zealand.

The purpose of this visit was to assess the fresh onion (Allium cepa) export pathway in the USA production areas of the Central Valley of California and the Willamette Valley of Oregon, to gather pathway pest risk management information. The assessment was to include discussions with USDA officials and technical experts how the risk of Delia antiqua, Pantoea ananatis (and its vectoring arthropod Frankliniella fusca) are managed on the fresh onion export pathway. D. antiqua is known to be associated with fresh onion production in the USA, but has not been detected on the import pathways. Therefore, it was MPI’s objective to understand how these regulated pests of concern are being managed effectively.
The aspects of the pathway assessment of relevance to MPI officials included observation of:
◾Pre-export phytosanitary procedures in relation to productions sites, packhouses, storage facilities and any associated treatment facilities;
◾Onion harvest, packing, grading and quality inspection processes;
◾Traceability and phytosanitary security activities;
◾USDA/APHIS phytosanitary inspection and certification procedures

The primary purpose of the visit to Viet Nam was:
◾To MPI-approve/accredit and review activities at vapour heat treatment and irradiation facilities to meet the importing requirements for mango to New Zealand.
◾To assess the production, post-harvest handling and processes involved in the intended export of dragon fruit from Vietnam to New Zealand and to enable the developments of a risk management proposal, draft import health standard and official assurance programme.

The primary purpose of the visit to Viet Nam was:
◾To review activities at two VHT facilities to determine compliance with MPI specifications and requirements for the export of fresh mango (Mangifera indica) and dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) to New Zealand.
◾To assess the production, post-harvest handling and processes involved in the intended export of rambutan from Vietnam to New Zealand and to enable the development of a risk management proposal (RMP) and draft import health standard (IHS).