The detection of a Mediterranean fruit fly near an urban bus station in the Chilean city of La Serena has prompted Chinese authorities to enforce strict controls on fruit exports from the surrounding region.

Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG) regional director for Coquimbo, Jorge Fernández, said all fruit produced in the region would have to undergo in-transit cold treatment in order to be allowed into the Chinese market, at the orders of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ).

"However, this does not mean the market is closed, but all fruit - mainly grapes - that is exported to this country has to have cold treatment," Fernández said.

"There is a way for the quarantined area to be limited to just 27.2km since there is an agreement with China to quarantine that area, which could be made effective once they visit the zone to evaluate the work we have done on the ground.

"That is why SAG is taking all actions to ensure this visit happens as soon as possible."

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