US authorises importation of oha leaf into the country

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has authorised the importation of Oha leaves from Nigeria.

“We are advising the public of our decision to authorise the importation of fresh Oha leaves (Pterocarpus mildbraedii) from Nigeria into the continental United States,” the USDA stated in a memo.

Famous in south-east and south-south Nigeria, Oha leaves are used in making Oha soup.

Although the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA prohibits the importation of fruits and vegetables into the United States from certain parts of the world, Oha leaves met the risk analysis requirement which led to the authorisation of its importation.

The US prohibits importation of some fruits and vegetables to prevent plant pests from being introduced into the country.