Latest news with #AndrewH.Douglas
Business Wire
23-05-2025
- Business Wire
CDFA and Partner Agencies Remind Travelers of the Risks of Pests in Packed Fruits, Vegetables, or Meat Products on their Summer Trips
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of travelers pack their bags this Memorial Day weekend for the unofficial beginning of summer travel season, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and its partners in federal and local government are reminding travelers NOT to pack fruits, vegetables, or meat products that could spread harmful pests, like invasive fruit flies. While traveling with these items may seem harmless, CDFA along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and local county agricultural commissioners want to remind air passengers and road trippers alike that non-native pests and diseases can act as sneaky hitchhikers in fruits, veggies and other plant and food items. If transported into California, these invasive species can cause significant damage to California's agricultural industries and residents' homegrown produce. To prevent the introduction of invasive pests and diseases, officials ask travelers entering or returning to California not to bring fruits, vegetables, or meat products with them. If travelers have plants or produce, they're asked to declare it for inspection to ensure its safety. CDFA Secretary Karen Ross emphasized that the negative impacts of invasive pests and diseases stretch well beyond commercial agricultural operations. 'Invasive pests and plant diseases that make their way into California not only can have devastating consequences for the bountiful agricultural operations throughout the state, but also can impact our community's ability to grow fruits and vegetables at home, as well as the delicate ecosystems of our natural and working lands. Everyone can play a role in keeping California free from invasive pests and diseases.' 'Our CBP agriculture specialists stationed at land, sea and airports, utilize their technical proficiency in defending our borders from harmful pests and diseases,' said CBP Port Director of Los Angeles International Airport Andrew H. Douglas. 'Travelers may even see our 'Beagle Brigade,' a specially trained canine team that can detect specific scents in travelers' luggage associated with fruits, vegetables, meat and other products that could pose a threat.' Highlighting the disruption invasive species can cause, California experienced the most pervasive invasive fruit fly outbreak in CDFA's 100+ year history in 2023. Believed to be caused by unauthorized movement of infested agricultural products, the outbreaks established quarantines across the state, restricting thousands of acres of commercial agriculture operations and residents' ability to share and enjoy their homegrown produce. There are currently two active invasive fruit fly quarantine areas in the state: a Mediterranean Fruit Fly quarantine area in parts of Alameda and Santa Clara counties, and an Oriental Fruit Fly quarantine in parts of Orange County. Downloadable media assets, including high-resolution images and video content, are available here. For more information, visit
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
CDFA and Partner Agencies Remind Travelers of the Risks of Pests in Packed Fruits, Vegetables, or Meat Products on their Summer Trips
Officials Raise Awareness of 'Don't Pack a Pest' Campaign LOS ANGELES, May 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of travelers pack their bags this Memorial Day weekend for the unofficial beginning of summer travel season, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and its partners in federal and local government are reminding travelers NOT to pack fruits, vegetables, or meat products that could spread harmful pests, like invasive fruit flies. While traveling with these items may seem harmless, CDFA along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and local county agricultural commissioners want to remind air passengers and road trippers alike that non-native pests and diseases can act as sneaky hitchhikers in fruits, veggies and other plant and food items. If transported into California, these invasive species can cause significant damage to California's agricultural industries and residents' homegrown produce. To prevent the introduction of invasive pests and diseases, officials ask travelers entering or returning to California not to bring fruits, vegetables, or meat products with them. If travelers have plants or produce, they're asked to declare it for inspection to ensure its safety. CDFA Secretary Karen Ross emphasized that the negative impacts of invasive pests and diseases stretch well beyond commercial agricultural operations. "Invasive pests and plant diseases that make their way into California not only can have devastating consequences for the bountiful agricultural operations throughout the state, but also can impact our community's ability to grow fruits and vegetables at home, as well as the delicate ecosystems of our natural and working lands. Everyone can play a role in keeping California free from invasive pests and diseases." "Our CBP agriculture specialists stationed at land, sea and airports, utilize their technical proficiency in defending our borders from harmful pests and diseases," said CBP Port Director of Los Angeles International Airport Andrew H. Douglas. "Travelers may even see our 'Beagle Brigade,' a specially trained canine team that can detect specific scents in travelers' luggage associated with fruits, vegetables, meat and other products that could pose a threat." Highlighting the disruption invasive species can cause, California experienced the most pervasive invasive fruit fly outbreak in CDFA's 100+ year history in 2023. Believed to be caused by unauthorized movement of infested agricultural products, the outbreaks established quarantines across the state, restricting thousands of acres of commercial agriculture operations and residents' ability to share and enjoy their homegrown produce. There are currently two active invasive fruit fly quarantine areas in the state: a Mediterranean Fruit Fly quarantine area in parts of Alameda and Santa Clara counties, and an Oriental Fruit Fly quarantine in parts of Orange County. Downloadable media assets, including high-resolution images and video content, are available here. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Kristin Skibakas@ (919) 630-4743
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Yahoo
37 live giant beetles found inside Japanese snack packets at LAX
At least 37 giant live beetles measuring 4 to 5 inches have been found concealed inside of multiple packages of Japanese snacks, potato chips and chocolate at Los Angeles International Airport, authorities said. The contraband was discovered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists assigned to LAX during a physical examination of a shipment arriving from Japan via air cargo last month. MORE: 100,000 eggs worth $40,000 stolen from trailer as police try to crack the case MORE: Mortgage lender president kills 88-year-old man in suspected DUI: Police Upon inspection, authorities ended up discovering discovered 37 live giant beetles -- worth an estimated $1,480 -- hidden in packets of Japanese junk food. 'They may look harmless but in reality, smuggled beetles pose a significant threat to our vital agriculture resources,' said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. 'Beetles can become a serious pest by eating plants, leaves, and roots and by laying eggs on tree bark which damages our forests.' MORE: Man and his dog found stabbed to death in basement after reporting 2nd break in of the day MORE: Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall Sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, exotic insects are highly popular and often sold online and underground, authorities said. 'The illegal trade of exotic insects bring hefty profits for those willing to take the risk of circumventing U.S. laws and regulations,' CBP said in their release regarding the case on Wednesday. MORE: 18-year-old dies after fall from light pole while celebrating Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl berth MORE: Elephant tramples tourist to death at famous national park Importing live insects into the U.S., require a U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service Plant Protection and Quarantine permit, or a letter issued by PPQ Plants, Pathogens and Biocontrol unit, according to CBP. The seized beetles were turned over to USDA officials, who will determine the final destination of the insects, meaning they will likely be donated to local zoos that have permits for live insects or be preserved in a local insect collection. MORE: Over 100 juveniles attend massive boozy house party at school principal's home: Police MORE: 7 cops shot in San Antonio while responding to call for help from apartment 'CBP agriculture specialists combine their scientific knowledge of harmful pests and plant diseases with their expertise in detecting and intercepting these threats before their enter our country,' said Andrew H. Douglas, CBP LAX Port Director. 'We are very proud of their contributions to our national security mission.' On an average day in 2023, CBP agriculture specialists seize an estimated 3,287 prohibited plants, meat and animal byproducts and intercept over 231 agricultural pests that could potentially harm America's agricultural resources. 37 live giant beetles found inside Japanese snack packets at LAX originally appeared on
CBS News
05-02-2025
- CBS News
Agriculture officials seize 37 live beetles disguised as Japanese snacks at LAX
Dozens of live beetles disguised as Japanese snacks were intercepted at the Los Angeles International Airport by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials last month. Agriculture specialists assigned to LAX discovered 37 live beetles hidden inside packages of Japanese snacks, chocolate and potato chips, the CBP said. The contraband was seized during a physical examination of a shipment arriving from Japan through air cargo, officials noted in a statement. The items were valued at $1,480. "They may look harmless but in reality, smuggled beetles pose a significant threat to our vital agriculture resources," said Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in LA. "Beetles can become a serious pest by eating plants, leaves, and roots and by laying eggs on tree bark which damages our forests." The CBP said exotic insects are often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Illegally trading exotic insects online and on underground sources can be lucrative. Importing live insects into the U.S. requires a U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) permit or a letter issued by PPQ Plants, Pathogens and Biocontrol unit, officials said. The live beetles were turned over to USDA officials, who will determine their destination. The CBP said the beetles will likely be donated to local zoos that have permits for the live insects or preserve them in collections. "CBP agriculture specialists combine their scientific knowledge of harmful pests and plant diseases with their expertise in detecting and intercepting these threats before their enter our country," said Andrew H. Douglas, CBP LAX Port Director. "We are very proud of their contributions to our national security mission."
