Fruit fly larvae found in passionfruit bought from Launceston supermarket
Biosecurity Tasmania has identified a fruit fly breach in food purchased from a supermarket.
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BIOSECURITY Tasmania has identified Queensland fruit fly larvae in passionfruit bought from a supermarket in Launceston.
General Manager of Biosecurity Tasmania Dr Lloyd Klumpp thanked the member of the public for reporting the matter on Monday, enabling a quick response.
“This is not an incursion. It is a single post-border detection, which has occurred before and it does not constitute an outbreak under National Fruit Fly Management Protocols. This detection will not affect Tasmania’s Pest Free Area status,” he said.
“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and this detection is a reminder of the importance of remaining alert to biosecurity risks.”
Biosecurity Tasmania is responding to this detection in line with established operational procedures, which include tracing activities and reviewing the fumigation processes.
“Given this detection, we are asking Tasmanians to be vigilant and report anything unusual in fruit,” Dr Klumpp said.
“Even with increased resources and checks at the borders, the risks can never be zero, which is why industry, government and the community must remain vigilant and work together.”
Anyone who notices any signs of fruit fly, such as larvae, eggs, or puncture marks on the skin of fruit, is asked to put the fruit in a sealed bag or container, place in the refrigerator, and contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777.
Originally published as Fruit fly larvae found in passionfruit bought from Launceston supermarket