Rogue avocado exporters on notice against mixing the commodity with mango

Avocado for export. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has issued an alert following suspicion avocados could be sneaked into mango consignments for the export market.

A notice has been issued directing the exporters to ensure their consignments are inspected and valid licenses issued as the regulations provide.

On November 2, the regulator ordered the end of the avocado fruit harvesting period and closed the export window that had been open since February.

Mango and avocado consignments for export are required to undergo inspection by AFA before an export certificate is issued.

In a notice to the mango exporters, AFA Acting Director General Mr Willis Audi directed that they should apply for inspection of their consignments.

The regulator has noticed following the closure of the avocado harvest season and export by sea, some exporters are mixing consignment of mangoes with avocados for shipment.

"Those caught going against the crop regulation 2020 are liable for punishment," said Audi.

He adds that Kenya exports fruits to Middle east countries, the Netherlands, Britain, and Italy among other trading destinations.

The circular directs the exporters to indicate the location of the pack house to facilitate inspection and ensure the quality of the export commodity to facilitate the issuance of a permit.

"Subsequently, mango exporters are required to demonstrate compliance failure to which their dealership licenses will be revoked," the notice noted.