THE peak body for mango growers says despite the recall of mangoes in South Australia, consumers can be confident there will be no shortage this Christmas.
Biosecurity SA a recalled all mangoes from shelves this week supplied from a producer in Queensland following confirmation of infestation with Queensland fruit fly larvae.
The Australian Mango Industry Association (AMIA) issued a statement yesterday reassuring consumers the recall will not impact supply and that there will be an abundance of quality fruit in SA and throughout Australia, over the next few weeks and into the new year.
“This should also have no impact on current retail pricing,” the AMIA said.
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Biosecurity SA required the distributor recall all produce from the affected grower which is still in storage or on supermarket shelves.
This includes all produce sent to SA since December 1, 2017.
Biosecurity SA was careful to state the detection did not constitute an outbreak of fruit fly.
The situation is being closely monitored in accordance with the National Fruit Fly Code of Practice.
Fruit fly can destroy crops and gardens.
The recall applies to material that is still on supermarket shelves.
Consumers have been encouraged to check any mangoes for signs of larvae however, they should not be returned to the to place of purchase.
Rather, shoppers are asked to call the Fruit Fly Hotline 1300 666 010 for advice.
Biosecurity SA executive director, Will Zacharin, said the larvae were discovered in a mango purchased from a business in Adelaide.
“On further investigation, we determined it was from a large batch of fruit provided by a distributor that supplies numerous stores in South Australia,” Mr Zacharin said.
“Quick action from a member of the public alerted us to the heavily infested fruit.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is to check your fruit, especially if it has come from interstate. If you see anything unusual—any signs of larvae or maggots—place the fruit in a sealed bag or container and contact the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
“The importer has elected to fumigate the product still on hand however given the seriousness of the infestation a full recall from shelves has been ordered.
“We will be suspending further consignments and following up with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries as to why pre-delivery treatment of the fruit, as required under an import verification compliance arrangement, appears to have failed.”
South Australia is the only mainland state in Australia that is fruit fly free.
This week 587,000 trays of mangoes arrived in markets throughout the country. The recall was less than two percent (2 per cent) of this volume.
The AMIA said the State and Federal Governments together with the Australian mango industry take biosecurity very seriously.
“There are strict processes in place to stop the spread of pests. This is an example of in the unlikely event that something is detected, it is recalled and destroyed swiftly,” the AMIA said.