Drivers to cop hefty fine if caught with this everyday snack
Motorists bringing fruit into South Australia will be hit with hefty fines as the state government steps up measures against fruit flies.
Drivers now caught bringing fruit into the state will be slapped with a $375 fine as part of the government’s fight against the problem.
“From roadblocks to quarantine bins, we will use every tool at our disposal to defend our vital horticulture industry against fruit fly and to protect our fruit fly-free status,” Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said.
Mr Whetstone said new electronic signs would tell drivers to “Eat it or Bin it” on approach to the Yamba station on the border with Victoria, adding that declaring produce there without penalty was no longer an option.
It follows a breakout of Queensland fruit flies at Loxton in the Riverland region and Mediterranean fruit flies in both Kilburn and Ceduna.
The Minister added with the advent of warmer weather, fruit flies are now at their “most active”.
“So, if you have friends and family visiting, remind them not to bring any fresh fruit and vegetables into the state, and in particular into the Riverland,” he said.
“If you do find any maggots in fruit or vegetables or suspect fruit fly or other plant pests and diseases call the hotline – 1300 666 010 – to report it immediately.”
With AAP
