Costa Rican authorities have banned pineapple companies from processing fruit waste for 90 days in a bid to fight a stable fly outbreak in the country's north.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) will work with a swag of government phytosanitary and agricultural organizations to contain and eradicate the pest.

A government release said the action plan would attend to zones with high pineapple-production concentration such as Rio Cuarto, Cutris, Sarapiquí, Upala and Pital, along with inspections in Guatuso, Los Chiles and Aguas Zarcas.

MAG said it would give priority to any complaints about the pest that arise, while it would follow companies that have received orders and phytosanitary measures, as well as those recommended for monitoring by MAG staff members.

Weekly inspections will take place for companies that have received constant complaints from nearby livestock farmers.

Industry sources close to www.freshfruitportal.com do not expect the measures or the pest to impact on exports.

www.freshfruitportal.com