USDA asks whether Hawaiian wasabi can travel to mainland
Published Date: 10/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA has studied the risks of moving fresh wasabi leaves and rhizomes from Hawaii to the continental U.S. Right now, this move isn’t allowed, but the new analysis shows that certain safety steps can make it safe. People can check out the study and share their thoughts by December 15, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Interstate shipment of wasabi currently banned
Right now, the interstate movement of fresh wasabi leaves and rhizomes from Hawaii into the continental United States is not authorized. That means Hawaii growers and shippers cannot legally move fresh wasabi into the continental U.S. under current rules.
Possible future authorization with safeguards
USDA’s pest risk analysis found that applying one or more designated phytosanitary measures could mitigate pest risks and allow interstate movement of fresh wasabi from Hawaii. If, after public comments (received on or before December 15, 2026), APHIS’s conclusions remain the same, APHIS will authorize interstate movement subject to the requirements in the risk management document.
Pest analysis, RMD, and economic info publicly available
APHIS has posted the pest risk assessment, the risk management document (RMD), and a description of the economic considerations for moving fresh wasabi from Hawaii on Regulations.gov and in the USDA reading room. Stakeholders can view these documents and request paper copies from the contact listed in the notice.
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