Shut The Guac Up! Feds Halt Mexican Avocado Imports Due To Threat

El Pasoans may have to hold the guac as the U.S. halts imports of avocados from Mexico following cartel threats.

From guacamole to avocado toast, sushi, and even your tacos may all be affected by the halted supply of imported avocados from Mexico.

Over Super Bowl weekend, while we were getting our guac on, Mexico acknowledged that the United States had suspended the import of avocados after a U.S. plant safety inspector in Mexico received a threat.

According to AP News, Mexico's Agriculture Department issued a statement revealing that a U.S. plant safety inspector received a threatening message on his cell phone while conducting inspections in Michoacan.

In response to the threat, the United States has suspended the import of Mexican avocados "until further notice" to prevent cartel violence against any personnel.

Sadly this is not the first time drug cartels have attempted to extort avocado growers in Michoacan as turf wars between gangs and cartels threaten the area.

So how does this suspension affect El Paso and the rest of the country? While Mexico is the largest producer and exporter of avocados globally, about 45%, California now accounts for the most U.S. avocado production, followed by Florida and Hawaii.

Thankfully we'll still be able to get our guac on, but if the import suspension lingers, we should be prepared to face an avocado shortage or a price hike at the register.

Hopefully, it won't get to that degree but with inflation at an all-time high, continued supply chain disruptions, and now cartel violence might all stand in the way of one of life's most delicious eats.

In any case, if an avocado shortage is imminent, El Pasoans can satiate their cravings by making a trip across the border to purchase avocados from Mexico; just make sure you get them pitted before declaring them at the U.S. port of entry.