HOUSTON — Port Houston announced its approval by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to handle cold treatment cargo.
This approval enables Port Houston to receive and manage shipments that complete the prescribed cold treatment process while in transit on the water, significantly enhancing the Port’s operational capabilities and service offerings.
“As an established importer and distributor of fresh produce in Houston, having cold treatment services in this region is imperative to broaden access to key commodities and sustainable growth. We congratulate Port Houston’s team for achieving this significant milestone,” said Jacquie Ediger, Executive Vice President of Pro Citrus Network and Houston-based Foremost Fresh Direct. “These services will help the port grow the volume of perishables cargo and ultimately support our commitment and key objective – To deliver fresh produce to customers as fresh and cost-effective as possible.”
Cold treatment is a critical process used to mitigate the risk of pests in fresh produce. By maintaining specific temperatures for a designated period, cold treatment ensures that fruits and vegetables are safe for import without introducing harmful pests into the United States. APHIS’s approval positions Port Houston as a key player in the international cold chain logistics sector, port officials said.
“Receiving APHIS approval to handle cold treatment cargo is a major achievement for Port Houston,” said Roger Guenther, Executive Director at Port Houston. “This capability allows us to provide additional services to our customers, helping ensure their perishable goods arrive in optimal condition. It further solidifies our commitment to supporting global trade and meeting the stringent standards of agricultural safety.”
The APHIS approval process involves rigorous assessments to ensure that the port facilities and
operations meet the highest standards for handling cold-treatment cargo. With this authorization, Port Houston can now accept a wider range of perishable products, including citrus fruits, grapes, and other high-value produce that requires precise temperature controls during transportation.
“The approval of the USDA APHIS Certified Cold Treatment at Port Houston will be an incredible benefit to the region. Houston is already a prime location, and offering this service makes it even more attractive to international shippers, further expanding the range of commodities that can be imported through the port,” said Dante Galeazzi, President/CEO of Texas International Produce Association. “On top of the many other additions happening at and around Port Houston, these projects continue to make Texas the prime sourcing location for fresh fruits and vegetables.”
Port Houston’s state-of-the-art facilities, combined with its strategic location and skilled workforce, make it an ideal hub for handling cold treatment cargo. This new capability complements the port’s existing strengths in cargo diversity and logistical fluidity, providing customers an efficient gateway.
Source: Port Houston
