Fruit fly recommendations for Blackfriars families

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has recently advised that much of metropolitan Adelaide and some areas of the Riverland are in fruit fly outbreak or suspension areas.

To help South Australia fight fruit fly becoming an established pest, PIRSA is introducing new restrictions, effective immediately until at least Thursday 15 April 2021.

Blackfriars’ location in Prospect is part of two outbreak zones: Croydon Park and Blair Athol. As such, NO fruit or fruiting vegetables that are susceptible to fruit fly should be packed in school lunchboxes or otherwise moved to or from school.

Please see the image below for a list of host fruits and vegetables that should not be brought to school:

Alternative fruits and vegetables that are still safe to bring to school (they cannot become fruit fly hosts) include:

• Fresh pineapple, melons (watermelon, rockmelon, and honeydew), cucumber, carrots, lettuce, broccoli, celery, mushrooms, and asparagus.
• Cooked fruit, processed fruit (such as fruit straps), fruit puree, canned fruit or frozen fruit.

Blackfriars will keep families updated with outbreak advice regarding the school. We strongly recommend families stay up to date with current restrictions on their residential area. This includes advice for homegrown fruit and veg, or shop-bought produce stored at home. Full fruit fly guidelines and information can be found on the PIRSA website here: www.pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly.