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California Blocks Importation of Untreated Produce from India

Attorney General targets company for not treating food against pests

June 9, 2009
California officials have taken steps to stop Bombino Express Worldwide from the "illegal importation" of produce that has not been treated to eradicate the Oriental Fruit Fly or other crop-damaging pests.

In July 2008, Bombino Express Worldwide imported 34 packages of Indian mangoes and yams that were labeled "ladies' apparel" through Los Angeles International Airport. Airport dogs discovered the packages and prevented the produce from entering the food supply.

"Bombino Express Worldwide illegally imported mangoes and yams without treating them for dangerous pests such as the Oriental Fruit Fly," said California Attorney General Edmund Brown, Jr. "It's critical that imported produce be properly inspected to avoid devastating and costly pest infestations."

State and Federal laws prohibit the importation of untreated mangoes from India because they can be infested with crop-damaging pests, like the Oriental Fruit Fly, which reproduces rapidly due to lack of natural biological constraints.

An Oriental Fruit Fly infestation could cost the state up to $176 million in crop losses, eradication efforts and quarantine requirements.

Brown's Office and the California Department of Food and Agriculture filed a lawsuit against Bombino Express Worldwide and its CEO Mohmed Yasin Latiwala of New Jersey in July 2008, contending that the company had violated:

• Food and Agriculture Code section 5306, which prohibits importation of plant material in violation of a plant quarantine;

• Food and Agriculture Code section 6321, which prohibits the importation of any fruit/plant/vegetable that may become a host to any species of the fruit fly family;

• Food and Agriculture Code section 6421, which prohibits shipments of plants brought into the state without proper markings and disclosure; and

• Food and Agriculture Code section 6461, prohibiting importation of plant material infested with agricultural pests subject to quarantine.

The settlement prevents Bombino Express Worldwide, which is headquartered in Mumbai, India, from importing produce that has not been properly inspected for foreign pests. The company will also pay $40,000 in civil penalties. If the company violates the agreement in the future, it will be forced to pay $1.6 million in additional penalties.

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