New Group Defends Fruit From Chile

A newly formed Chilean trade group in Long Beach says concerns over cyanide-laced grapes were “distorted and sensationalized” and U.S. consumers should have complete confidence that Chilean fruit is safe.

Last month U.S. officials announced a temporary ban on Chilean fruit imports after the discovery of cyanide-laced grapes in shipments from the South American country.

“We want people to know that Chile has exported fruit to the United States without a blemish for 30 years until this incident,” said Danny Meza, secretary of the California-Chile Chamber of Commerce, which was formed in the wake of the incident.