Government Suspends Import Permits for Several Vegetables

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) has suspended the issuance of import permits for several vegetables, citing sufficient local supply. The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) announced that the ban applies to lettuce, onions (purple, white, and yellow), potatoes, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and celery.

Authorities warn that anyone caught importing these vegetables illegally will face prosecution under the BAHA Act, Chapter 211 of Belize’s laws. Violators could be subject to heavy fines, imprisonment, or both.