Alerts

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has recently completed a review of cold treatment schedules used to mitigate the biosecurity risks associated with fruit flies in imported horticultural fresh produce. The purpose of the review was to ensure that the cold treatment schedules are supported by the latest available science.

As a result of the review, the department has updated cold treatment schedules used as a pest risk management measures against Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly).

From 30th November 2019, the following updated cold treatment schedules must be used for fresh citrus fruits from Israel:

For grapefruit, mandarins, oranges (sweet), pomelo, sweetie, tangelo, tangerines and tangor with fruit pulp temperature at or below:

• 1.11°C for not less than 14 consecutive days, or
  

• 1.67°C for not less than 16 consecutive days, or
  

• 2.22°C for not less than 18 consecutive days, or
  

• 3.0°C for not less than 20 consecutive days.
  

Who does this alert affect:
Importers of fresh citrus fruits from Israel and Assessment Services Group.

Further information:
For further information please contact imports@agriculture.gov.au.