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Carn the crows - but can the fruit and veg

Thursday, 10 September 2009

This weekend and the coming weeks ahead represents the start of a high risk period for fruit fly, with footy fans travelling interstate for AFL finals and people travelling during school holidays.

People are reminded when returning to South Australia to not bring fruit or vegetables across the border.

Geoff Raven, PIRSA Manager Food and Plant Standards says while South Australia recorded another fruit fly free season this year – the third over the past five years – it was important to remain vigilant.

“Keeping SA fruit fly free is a combined community, industry and government effort and we need travellers to also do their bit,” he said.

“South Australia remains the only mainland state to be fruit fly free, despite significant fruit fly activity in the eastern states.

“A single piece of infested fruit has the potential to have a devastating impact on the State’s $480 million fresh fruit and vegetable industry.

“Maintaining our fruit fly free status ensures our industries continue to receive ongoing access to lucrative export markets worth millions of dollars.

“So please before you head back home – stop at our quarantine bins, stop at our roadblocks and stop at our borders – and make sure you aren’t carrying any fruit and vegetables.

“If caught, there is a fine of $315, plus a $30 levy. There is no penalty however if fruit is voluntarily disposed of at the quarantine roadblocks.”

People are also advised to be on the look out for any maggots found in their fruit or vegetables and to report it to the fruit fly hotline on 1300 666 010.