Visitors are being reminded about the ramifications of bringing fresh produce into South Australia and the Riverland this long weekend as the state continues to battle 16 Mediterranean and Queensland fruit fly outbreaks.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the fruit fly outbreaks affecting over 300 Adelaide suburbs and the Riverland mean it is vital to stop the movement of fruit and vegetables at risk from the pest.
"Fruit fly don't travel far on their own – it is people who spread this destructive pest by moving fruit and vegetables around," said Minister Basham.
"At stake is our $1.3 billion horticulture industry vulnerable to fruit fly and the thousands of jobs it supports, as well as the ability to grow your own backyard fruit and vegetables without being infested by maggots.
"If you're leaving Adelaide or coming into South Australia to visit our regions this long weekend, don't take fruit with you, instead leave it at home and buy locally when you reach your destination.
"It is important to do your homework and understand what fruit and vegetables are prohibited from areas of South Australia. Fruit and vegetables can only come in with an itemised receipt showing it was purchased from an area in South Australia unaffected by fruit fly – those areas are green on the interactive fruit fly map."
Minister Basham is encouraging people staying home this weekend to pick any ripe fruit from their backyard trees.
"If you're spending the weekend at home, use the opportunity to clean up your garden – pick any ripe or fallen fruit and place it in your green bin instead of composting it, to help break the fruit fly lifecycle. If your council doesn't offer a green bin service, find out what you need to do by checking the fruit fly website," said Minister Basham.
"Check your fruit for bruising or sting marks, and if you notice any, cut it up to check for maggots. If you see anything unusual in your fruit, call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
"If you have excess home-grown fruit, use it up – make a jam, preserve, pickle or smoothie.
"If you live in a red outbreak area, remember the fruit and vegetables at risk from fruit fly cannot leave your property. Some common home-grown produce ripening now include citrus, olives, chilis, apples, pears, quinces, feijoias – check the fruit fly website for a full list.
"It's important to understand the restrictions in the areas you live, work and travel."
To find out more, visit www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au
