MSAMB Mango Irradiation Facility in Mumbai

India’s mango exports recently faced a major challenge when the United States rejected 25 metric tons of mango consignments. These mangoes were processed at the MSAMB mango export facility in Mumbai, one of the key export centers.

The rejection was due to alleged inspection lapses by US authorities, leading to significant financial losses.

This article explains what happened, the export process, and its implications. It is especially helpful for SSC aspirants preparing for current affairs related to agriculture, trade, and international relations.

Background: Mango Exports from India to the US

India exports popular mango varieties like Alphonso, Kesar, Banganapalli, Himayat, Raspuri, Langra, Chausa, and Dasheri.

• The US is a major importer of Indian mangoes.

• To meet US import standards, mangoes must undergo irradiation, a pest elimination treatment.

• India has three USDA-approved mango irradiation centers located in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad.

• The MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai is one of the primary centers responsible for this treatment.

What Caused the US to Reject Mango Shipments?

• A total of 15 mango consignments weighing 25 metric tons were rejected.

• These consignments underwent irradiation at the MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai on May 8 and 9.

• The main issue was improper documentation of dosimeter readings.

• Dosimeter readings are used to track radiation levels during mango irradiation.

• Failure to record these readings correctly at the MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai led to rejection by US inspectors.

• The consignments were held up at US ports such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta.

Alleged Inspection Lapse

The Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board mango exports division alleged a procedural lapse by US inspectors.  They reportedly did not consult the MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai before escalating issues to their senior offices.

• This caused a sudden rejection of mango consignments without resolving the problem locally.

• Exporters had to destroy the mango shipments due to their perishable nature and high return shipping costs.

Estimated financial loss: $500,000 (₹4.2 crore).

Mango Export Irradiation Process at MSAMB Facility

The mango export irradiation process at the MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai follows strict steps to comply with US regulations:

• Mangoes are sourced only from registered farms.

• They are processed in APEDA- and NPPO-certified packhouses.

• Mangoes undergo hot water treatment and fungicide application.

• The fruit is irradiated at USDA-certified centers like the MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai.

• Dosimeter readings are recorded to ensure the correct radiation dose.

• Clearance documents such as PPQ203 are issued to allow export.

The recent issue arose from the dosimeter readings issue when staff at the MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai failed to properly document these readings during inspection.

Impact and Current Status

• Due to this rejection, exporters suffered significant financial losses.

• Despite the setback, the MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai resumed export operations quickly.

• Between May 11 and May 18, the facility shipped over 53,000 boxes (~185.75 metric tons) to the US.

• This highlights the resilience of the MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai and its efforts to maintain export flow.

Governance and Compliance

• Indian mango exports operate under a Cooperative Service Agreement between APEDA and USDA’s APHIS.

• The export process is governed by the Irradiation Operational Work Plan developed by USDA-APHIS, India’s NPPO, and APEDA.

• Strict mango export documentation compliance and mango export regulations in Maharashtra are followed.

The Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board ensures mango export quality control to prevent future lapses at the MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai.

Final Thoughts

The rejection of mango consignments by the US due to inspection and documentation lapses at the MSAMB mango irradiation facility in Mumbai highlights the importance of strict compliance and effective communication in international trade.

Despite the setback and financial losses, India’s mango exports continue to grow, supported by strong governance and quality control.

For SSC aspirants, this case underscores how export procedures and international regulations impact agricultural trade and bilateral relations.