Visitors to South Australia over the winter school holidays are reminded to leave fruit and vegetables at home to avoid a frosty reception at the state’s borders.

With South Australia currently eradicating fruit fly outbreaks at Thevenard and at Lindsay Point in Victoria, there is continued pressure on the state to keep its fruit fly free status.

South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said travellers to the state must adhere to strict biosecurity measures.

“Traditionally there is increased visitation to South Australia over the school holiday period and while I urge travellers to enjoy everything our wonderful state has to offer, I remind visitors to leave fruit and vegetables at home,” said Minister Whetstone.

“It only takes one piece of infested fruit to cause devastation to the state’s horticulture industries and communities.

“It is important all visitors educate themselves on prohibited fresh produce in South Australia prior to travelling to our great state.”

Minister Whetstone said a zero-tolerance approach at the Yamba Quarantine Station and random roadblocks held across South Australia has been applied.

“No longer is it acceptable to avoid penalty by surrendering or declaring fruit, because bringing fresh fruit and vegetables vulnerable to fruit fly into South Australia is prohibited,” said Minster Whetstone.

“There are ample warnings leading into the Yamba Quarantine Station about disposing of fresh produce the correct way and if motorists ignore these warnings they will be caught and penalised.

“If caught with fruit fly host material at Yamba or random roadblocks, you will be issued with a $375 fine.

“Keeping South Australia fruit fly free is everyone’s responsibility and there is a clear and simple message for people travelling into South Australia, leave fruit and vegetables at home.”

For further information on how to keep South Australia fruit fly free visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly