The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) says California remains free of the disease Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening that has destroyed citrus trees worldwide.

“California does not have the citrus disease Huanglongbing, despite some erroneous reports to the contrary from Argentina that have appeared on the internet,” said Michael Jarvis, CDFA deputy secretary for public affairs.

“We continue to aggressively trap and test Asian citrus psyllid pests to make sure the disease does not exist in California. All tests have been negative to date,” Jarvis said.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a bacterial plant disease that – while not harmful to human health – destroys the production, appearance and economic value of citrus trees and the taste of the fruit and juice.