Airport inspection delays caused by the lack of workforce during the government shutdown might ultimately affect the freshness of perishables and flowers, according to the Miami Herald.
"They're working, but they have a minimal number of inspectors," Milay Rodriguez, a supervisor of the logistics company Customized Brokers, told the paper. "We're seeing quite a bit of delays."
Miami International is a key hub for imports, including 63 percent of perishables and 89 percent of all U.S. flower imports, according to the report.
Rodriguez told the Herald an inspection of green peppers that normally takes 48 hours took two weeks and the shipment had to be destroyed, but a Southeastern Grocers spokesman reported the shutdown has not yet affected his companies, which include grocery story Winn-Dixie.
"As of now we have no concerns," Joe Caldwell told the Herald. "When we look at our fresh side, we have no interruptions as far as shipments are concerned."
The flower industry might be of particular concern in Miami, especially with the looming peak season of Valentine's Day on Feb. 14.
"We are going to feel an effect, but let's not panic," Association of Floral Importers of Florida Vice President Christine Boldt told the paper.
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