Nov 5, 2004 11:30 AM, from staff and wire reports

United States government inspectors have eased restrictions on Mexican produce at certain ports of entry in Arizona, according to that state’s agricultural officials.

After a Medfly outbreak in the US-Mexico border city of Tijuana, Mexico, stricter inspection requirements had been imposed on Mexican produce. Every shipment crossing the border was inspected for Medflies, pests that can damage more than 250 types of fruits and vegetables.

Despite this change in rules, importers still have to show that produce didn’t originate in Tijuana. However, complete inspections will be performed on just one in 20 shipments at most Arizona ports of entry. The relaxed restrictions affect ports from Lukeville AZ to Texas.

Tougher inspection requirements will remain in San Luis AZ and ports of entry to the west. They will also affect crops regarded as a high risk.