AUSTRALIAN mangoes are again being exported to Japan following a quarantine scare.
Japan last week slapped a temporary ban on Australian mango imports, worth $2 million to $3 million a year, after an unidentified insect larvae was found at a southeast Queensland export facility.
The ban was lifted last night.
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service inspectors found the larvae in a batch of premium mangoes that had already been vapour heat treated and were ready for shipment.
Australian Mango Industry Association development manager Trevor Dunmall said on Wednesday exports had resumed from the Diamond Star export business in Mareeba, in Queensland's far north.
However, the Beerwah factory where the larvae was found is still under investigation, he said.
"It's good that it's been resolved relatively quickly and that trade can recommence," Mr Dunmall said.
"We'll have to work with AQIS during the off season to look at why it's happened and see what steps can be made to see it doesn't happen again."
Bruce Nastasi, of Diamond Star, said the company had a store of mangoes which had been cleared by AQIS before the ban, so exports could resume immediately.
He said the larvae found at Beerwah was of "no consequence".
"It turned out be a vinegar fly," Mr Nastasi said. "It's business as normal."
Comment is being sought from AQIS.
