Withdrawal of methyl bromide fumigation treatment for QFF in mangoes and plums
Biosecurity update: 22 January 2024
South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia are withdrawing acceptance of methyl bromide fumigation as a disinfestation treatment option for Queensland fruit fly in mangoes and plums.
Key changes
South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia are updating their import conditions to no longer accept methyl bromide fumigation as an end-point treatment for mangoes and plums for produce originating in Queensland fruit fly (QFF) established areas (New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland and Victoria). As a result, domestic trade of these commodities from Victoria will no longer be certified under ICA-04. The changes to the import conditions does not impact other commodities.
The changes to the import conditions are driven by recent interceptions of QFF in mangoes. Research has determined that there is no suitable methyl bromide disinfestation schedule for adequate control of QFF in plums and mangoes.
Key dates
This update provides notification that methyl bromide fumigation treatment for QFF will no longer be accepted for:
- mangoes – effective 21 February 2024
- plums – effective 22 March 2024
Alternative treatment options
Businesses and suppliers should work with their local Biosecurity Officer to discuss their options for suppling domestic markets, which include the following:
Mangoes
- ICA-55 - Irradiation (SA, TAS, WA)
- ICA-07 - Cold temperature treatments (TAS and WA)
- Vapour heat treatment (TAS, WA)
- Approved systems approach for fruit maturity condition and pre-harvest treatment (SA and TAS)
Plums
- ICA-55 - Irradiation (SA, TAS, WA)
- ICA-07 – Cold temperature treatments (SA, TAS, WA)
Further information
Find out more about import conditions for SA, TAS or WA.
For further information on certification requirements, please contact Agriculture Victoria via telephone on 1800 878 962 or email the Region relevant for service delivery:
Southeast Region: plant.standards@agriculture.vic.gov.au (including Epping markets)
Southwest Region: plant.southwest@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Northern Region: plant.quarantine@agriculture.vic.gov.au
For further information regarding this Biosecurity Update please contact Market Access by email at market.access@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Printable document
Withdrawal of methyl bromide fumigation treatment for QFF in mangoes and plums (PDF - 144.3 KB)