More fruit fly outbreaks in Adelaide

The state government has requested a biosecurity report looking at the possible expansion of the zero-tolerance policy to Ceduna to protect the state from future incursions.

There are now seven Mediterranean fruit fly outbreaks in metropolitan Adelaide, with 240 suburbs now under quarantine restrictions.

Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said the new outbreaks mean the majority of Adelaide is now in a fruit fly quarantine area.

"Right now, we have outbreaks impacting the area between Glenelg to Elizabeth, from the ocean into the foothills," he said.

"If fruit fly were to become widespread in the fruit producing areas of the Adelaide Hills, it could have devastating effects for our horticulture industry.

"These outbreaks have meant I am stepping up the response. I have asked PIRSA to report back to me about extending the zero-tolerance policy to the Ceduna quarantine station.

"There are zero strikes and zero excuses for bringing fruit and vegetables into SA via the Yamba border crossing in the Riverland and those who ignore the warnings receive a $375 fine.

"This zero-tolerance approach on our eastern border has successfully limited the spread of Qld fruit fly but with Mediterranean fruit fly traditionally coming from the west, it may be time for us to extend zero tolerance to our Ceduna quarantine station."

Mr Whetstone said anyone living in the outbreak areas need to remove all ripe fruit from their fruit trees and pick up any fruit fallen on the ground.

"You are no longer permitted to move homegrown fruit," he said.

"If you find maggots in your fruit, call the Fruit Fly hotline on 1300 666 010."