Interstate travellers heading into SA during the school and Easter holidays are being reminded to leave fruit and vegetables at home and avoid risking a fine.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said with fruit fly outbreaks at Loxton in the Riverland and at Ceduna and Thevenard on the state's West Coast, travellers need to follow the rules.
"We are well aware of the devastation fruit fly can cause interstate and that is why it's important that we continue to remind people to buy local and not bring fruit and vegetables into SA and the Riverland," he said.
"Every single person entering SA must respect our strict quarantine laws that protect our fruit fly free status.
"Even one piece of infected fruit can contain dozens of fruit fly larvae, which can not only devastate our fresh fruit and vegetable crops, but also associated industries and the regional communities that support them.
"The risk is just too great, so whether you illegally carry one piece of fruit or 20 in your vehicle, you will be penalised."
Mr Whetstone said the recently implemented zero tolerance policy at the Yamba Quarantine Station and random roadblocks is further designed to protect SA from fruit fly.
"No longer will it be acceptable to avoid penalty by surrendering or declaring fruit, because bringing fruit fly host material into SA is prohibited," he said.
"Motorists face fines and penalties of between $375 and $20,000 if found with restricted items."
There are ample warnings leading into Yamba about disposing of fresh produce the correct way and if motorists ignore these warning they will be caught and fined.
"Do not throw fruit out of the vehicle window or littering offences will apply," Mr Whetstone said.
"Keeping SA fruit fly free is everyone's responsibility and there is a clear and simple message for people travelling into SA, 'Eat it or Bin it', otherwise you will pay the penalty," he said.
The Loxton quarantine is due to be lifted on April 29 2019 without further detections, while Ceduna is expected to be lifted on May 8 and Thevenard, October 24.
