Effective immediately, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has suspended imports of lychee and mango from Taiwan, after fruit fly larvae were found on fresh fruit at the border.

Late last week (Friday 18 June) five larvae were detected on a consignment of vapour heat-treated (VHT) lychees from Taiwan and formally identified as Oriental Fruit Fly – a species of serious threat to the kiwifruit industry and many others across horticulture.

Consequently, MPI has immediately suspended imports of VHT lychees and mangos from Taiwan. Until the suspension is lifted, all consignments of lychees and mangos from Taiwan arriving at New Zealand’s border will be held with the option of destruction or re-shipment.