Biosecurity New Zealand has temporarily stopped all Australian tomato imports after the discovery of tomato brown rugose fruit virus at two South Australian growing farms.
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), which infects tomatoes, capsicums, and chiles, causes spotting, discolouration, and malformations in fruit, lowering market value. It does not affect human health.
The suspension is being reviewed in seven days.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has banned tomato imports from Australian states other than Queensland, where there is no evidence that the virus is present.
“As this tracing work continues, and out of an abundance of caution, we are extending our restrictions by temporarily suspending imports of tomatoes from Australia,” said Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson.
“This means temporary suspensions are now in place for tomato imports from all Australian states.”
Anderson advises growers to “check their biosecurity practices and be vigilant”.
