APHIS Authorizes Importation of Glasswort From Israel Following Pest Risk Analysis
On April 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced its decision to authorize the importation of fresh glasswort leaves and stems from Israel for human consumption. This move culminates a regulatory process that involved a thorough pest risk analysis and a public comment period, clearing the way for this specialty crop to enter the U.S. market under specified phytosanitary conditions.
Regulatory Framework and Process
APHIS operates under the regulations outlined in "Subpart L-Fruits and Vegetables" (7 CFR 319.56-1 through 319.56-12), which govern the importation of produce to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests within the United States. Section 319.56-4 of these regulations provides a performance-based mechanism for approving commodity imports. This process requires APHIS to conduct a pest risk analysis, which assesses potential pest threats and identifies necessary mitigation measures. If the analysis determines that risks can be safely managed, APHIS proposes authorization and solicits public feedback.
In this specific instance, APHIS published a notice in the Federal Register on April 11, 2025 (90 FR 15429), announcing the availability of a pest risk analysis for glasswort from Israel. This analysis included a risk assessment identifying quarantine pests and a risk management document (RMD) detailing phytosanitary measures. Following the standard 60-day comment period, APHIS proceeded with its final decision.
The Glasswort Decision
Glasswort, scientifically known as Salicornia europaea L., is a succulent plant increasingly used in culinary applications. The authorization specifically permits the importation of fresh leaves and stems for human consumption. This means that any glasswort shipments from Israel destined for pet food use will be refused entry into the United States. This clarification was made by APHIS in response to public comments, ensuring the commodity's entry aligns precisely with the parameters of the pest risk analysis.
Kelly Moore, Administrator for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, formally signed the decision in Washington, DC, on April 17, 2026, with imports authorized to commence on April 21, 2026.
Public Comments and Agency Response
During the public comment period, which closed on June 10, 2025, APHIS received two distinct comments from private citizens. One commenter raised issues pertaining to U.S. policy regarding tariffs and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. APHIS determined these concerns were beyond the scope of the specific docket, which focuses solely on the agricultural pest risk of importing glasswort.
The second commenter argued against importation, citing potential harm to pets. APHIS addressed this by reiterating that the national plant protection organization of Israel specifically requested market access for glasswort intended for human consumption. Consequently, APHIS's analyses and subsequent decision are predicated exclusively on this intended end-use. Any glasswort arriving in the U.S. labeled or manifested for pet food will not be permitted entry. This response highlights APHIS's commitment to narrowly define import authorizations based on the specific applications evaluated in pest risk analyses.
Phytosanitary Measures
The authorization for glasswort importation from Israel is not unconditional. It is subject to specific phytosanitary measures identified in the RMD that accompanied the initial notice. These conditions will be comprehensively listed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's APHIS Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements (ACIR) database. Additionally, each shipment must comply with the general requirements applicable to all fruit and vegetable imports, as stipulated in 7 CFR 319.56-3. These measures are critical to mitigating the identified pest risks and safeguarding U.S. agricultural interests.
