Mediterranean Fruit Fly; Additions to Quarantined Areas and Treatments

We are amending the Mediterranean fruit fly regulations by adding a portion of Sarasota County, FL, to the list of quarantined areas and by expanding the boundaries of the quarantined area in Polk County, FL, due to the detection of Mediterranean fruit fly infestations in those new areas. This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the spread of the Mediterranean fruit fly into noninfested areas of the United States. We are also amending the regulations to provide for the use of irradiation as a treatment for berries, fruits, nuts, and vegetables that are regulated articles. This action will provide an additional option for qualifying those regulated articles for movement from quarantined areas.