WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.
Federal officials have lifted a ban on commercial citrus shipments from Florida to the 10 other states and U.S. territories that grow the crops.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture lifted the ban Thursday, 3 years after it quarantined Florida oranges and grapefruits because of crop pests and diseases.
Research now shows fresh fruit which has been disinfected isn't at risk of spreading canker, a bacterial disease that blemishes fruit but is harmless to humans.
Florida has also been beseiged by greening, a bacteria that sours fruit and gradually kills trees. A quarantine still stands on the shipment of trees, stems and leaves to prevent its spread.
The ban covered five states – California, Arizona, Louisiana, Hawaii and Texas – and five outlying island territories.
Information from: The Palm Beach Post,