Fruit and veges allowed inside Eden Park

A fruit fly warning sign on the corner of Sandringham Road and Royal Terrace. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Fruit and vegetables will be allowed inside Eden Park as spectators prepare to watch the latest Cricket World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand today.

The Ministry for Primary Industries previously advised spectators "not take whole fruit to Eden Park."

The sporting ground is within the controlled zone for banning the movement of fruit and vegetables after the discovery of the Queensland fruit fly in Grey Lynn.

In the past week, eight fruit flies have been found in central Auckland.

MPI said it remained confident it is dealing with a localised population of fruit fly that can be eradicated.

A Cricket World Cup spokesperson said spectators will be allowed to bring fruit to Eden Park, despite it being in the controlled zone.

"Patrons are welcome to bring fruit and veges into the grounds but can't take them when they leave," the spokesperson said.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has put safe disposal bins at all gates and patrons will be expected to use them.

"Announcements will be made throughout the game to alert patrons to make them aware of what they need to do.

"We are making people aware of what guidance we have received and will be encouraging them to do the right thing," he said.

A call to the MPI hotline also supported this advice:

"We are encouraging people who want to take fruit and veges into the grounds to dispose of them on site," said the representative.

According to the MPI website, a total of 58 staff will be joining security staff at Eden Park to remind fans not to take fruit and vegetables outside of the controlled area.

There is a detailed plan for the removal of all waste from the ground. It will be taken to a biosecurity waste disposal facility and held at a high temperature that kills insects in all stages of their life cycle.

MPI is expecting to deal with 10.5 tonnes in this way.