Chile: SAG has intercepted more than 77 tons of potatoes of illegal origin; they come from Peru and Bolivia

The Livestock Agricultural Service (SAG) has intensified its inspection work on the country's northern borders, where there has been an increase in attempts to illegally enter food into Chile, operations that have meant the seizure of more than 77 tons of potatoes of unknown origin. Work carried out in particular by the SAG Post Border Surveillance teams, who on the eve of the National Holidays detected large quantities of tubers trying to be brought onto national soil. The products, which have risen up to 40% in price in the country, enter Chile illegally through unauthorized passages from Peru and Bolivia, countries with which Chile does not have phytosanitary agreements for the import of potatoes for consumption. The national director of the SAG, José Guajardo Reyes, pointed out that “this type of clandestine entry puts the health of our agriculture at serious risk, since these interceptions could carry pests not present in national territory, affecting agriculture and those ...