US pauses avocado and mango inspections in Mexico after attack

Two officials assaulted and held while inspecting avocados in Michoacan in incident unconnected to industry'

An attack on two employees of the US agricultural department prompted a temporary suspension of safety inspections on avocados and mangoes in Mexico, potentially disrupting a $2.4bn industry between the two countries.

Ambassador Ken Salazar said in a statement that the two officials were assaulted and temporarily held by assailants while they were inspecting avocados in the Mexican state of Michoacan.