Avocado Import Ban Signals Mexican Cartel Activity

The USDA suspended all imports of Mexican avocados after a U.S. plant inspector in Mexico reportedly received a threatening phone call.

The U.S. announced a temporary halt on avocado imports from Mexico late last week. The decision came after an American plant inspector in the country received a threatening phone call, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Related StoryU.S. Suspends Mexican Avocado Imports

Officials haven't released details about the exact threat but the USDA says it will keep the import ban in place as long as necessary to ensure the safety of American workers in Mexico. The ban impacts avocados from the Mexican state of Michoacán — a region plagued by drug cartels.