CSMS Message: 15-000483

On Monday July 27, FDA is informing US importers of the issuance of Import Alert # 24-23, Seasonal (April 1 – August 31) "DETENTION WITHOUT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF FRESH CILANTRO FROM THE STATE OF PUEBLA, MEXICO"

FDA has taken this action to provide better protection to US consumers of these products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state public health officials have identified annually recurring outbreaks (in 2012, 2013, and 2014) of cyclosporiasis in the United States which have been associated with fresh cilantro from the state of Puebla, Mexico. Based on epidemiological evidence collected by affected domestic states, the CDC and traceback evaluations conducted by FDA, cilantro from the state of Puebla, Mexico was implicated as the vehicle for some of the U.S. cyclosporiasis infections in 2013 and 2014
Import Alert #24-23 indicates detention without physical examination (DWPE) of fresh cilantro from Mexico offered for entry from April 1 through August 31 of every year, unless the cilantro is offered for entry from a firm listed on the Green List of this import alert. This action takes effect immediately, and is applicable to all entries of cilantro from Mexico currently in the entry process; and all future entries of cilantro from Mexico.

In order to verify that the product is not from the state of Puebla, Importers must provide documentation that the products originated from a facility outside Puebla. Importers and brokers should expect delays in FDA releases for cilantro from Mexico, pending review of these documents.

The Import Alert provides additional background information and information on submitting requests for exemption from this countrywide DWPE. All Import Alerts can be found on FDA's internet site, www.FDA.gov, at the following link: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_1148.html

Questions regarding this action by FDA can be directed to the contacts indicated in the Import Alert. Questions related to the entry processing of specific entries should be directed to the FDA District covering the port of entry.