South Australia to tighten importation rules on fresh produce from Victoria after fruit fly outbreak

Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak hits South Australia as state tightens its importation rules in a bid to protect $1.3billion industry

  • South Australia to tighten its rules on the import of fresh produce from Victoria
  • Fruit fly larvae has been discovered in backyards in Port Augusta and Warradale 
  • Victorian Fumigators to undertake detailed inspections of fruit and vegetables
  • Residents in outbreak areas have been urged to check their fruit for the larvae


South Australia has tightened its rules around the importation of fruit and vegetables from Victoria following two Mediterranean fruit fly outbreaks.

Larvae of the destructive agricultural pest have been discovered in backyard fruit in Port Augusta and Warradale.

While the outbreaks are not believed related to fruit or vegetables from Victoria, SA Primary Industries Minister David Basham says Victorian fumigators will have to undertake detailed inspections of fruit before shipping, update packaging and improve traceability.

Larvae of the destructive Mediterranean fruit fly (pictured) was discovered in backyards in Port Augusta and Warradale

The measures also follow a spate of Queensland fruit fly larvae discoveries in SA supermarkets earlier this year.   

Mr Basham said the arrangements had been installed to protect the state’s $1.3 billion horticulture industry and the 37,000 jobs and 4000 businesses it supports.

‘In response to the detections of live fruit fly larvae in fumigated fruit imported into South Australia earlier this year, the Marshall Liberal government has required the Victorian government to strengthen the current fumigation requirements for fresh produce destined for South Australia,’ Mr Basham said.

‘The movement of fresh produce from Victorian fumigator FreshMax to South Australia was immediately halted and following extensive auditing of their processes, stronger control measures have been put in place, enabling the business to trade again.’

Victorian fumigators will be required to undergo detailed inspections of fruit before shipping to South Australia in a bid to protect the state's $1.3 billion horticulture industry

Victorian fumigators will be required to undergo detailed inspections of fruit before shipping to South Australia in a bid to protect the state’s $1.3 billion horticulture industry

An eradication response is underway with baiting and ground treatment at the new outbreak sites in Port Augusta and Warradale, with 1.5km red outbreak areas and 7.5km yellow suspension areas established.

In Port Augusta, the red area takes in the town of Port Augusta.

In Warradale, the red area includes Brighton, Dover Gardens, Hove, Marion, North Brighton, Oaklands Park, Seacombe Gardens, Seacombe Heights, Somerton Park, South Brighton, Sturt and Warradale.

Subject to no further detections, the restrictions will be in place until at least November 18 in Port Augusta and until at least December 20 in Warradale.

People in outbreak areas are urged to check home-grown fruit for larvae and report anything unusual.