The discovery of Queensland fruit fly larvae in an interstate consignment of commercial stone fruit has prompted a recall by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).
PIRSA's Executive Director of Biosecurity, Nathan Rhodes said the Department was investigating into the detection of the imported fruit from Victoria.
"During the last week there have been a number of larvae detections in Victorian produce reported to PIRSA through the fruit fly hotline which was purchased from a variety of retail outlets including Aldi, Coles, Woolworths and a local farmer's market.
"The Department is investigating this incident in liaison with Agriculture Victoria including the treatment of this fruit prior to its shipment into the state.
"This detection does NOT constitute an outbreak of fruit fly under the National Fruit Fly Code of Practice.
"With the state responding to a series of fruit fly outbreaks across metropolitan Adelaide and the Riverland, the situation is being closely monitored.
"Maintaining our status as the only mainland state that is fruit fly free is vital to South Australia's $1.3 billion horticultural industry, 37,500 jobs and 4,000 businesses that are at risk of fruit fly.
"In this instance quick action from the public have alerted us to this issue however we are regarding this incident with a great deal of seriousness and as a result there has been a withdrawal of affected produce from shelves. We are working with affected distributors to make sure this happens as quickly as possible.
"The Department is following up as to why the pre-delivery treatment of this fruit under the interstate certification assurance process seems to have failed in this instance and until the investigation is complete controls have been put in place on future consignments from the affected suppliers.
"This incident once again underlies how important it is for us to regularly check all fruit, particularly if you are aware your purchase has originated from interstate. If you see anything unusual – any sign of larvae or maggots – place the fruit in a sealed bag or container and contact the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 to arrange collection."
For further advice on keeping South Australia fruit fly free visit Fruit fly in South Australia