This is the season to enjoy Lokam Oranges

Fujian Yong Chun famous Lokam oranges are as delicious as ever and have been certified safe, so consumers needn't fret about an infestation of Mandarin maggots elsewhere in China.The skin texture for the lokam is better with stronger aroma, especially for the medium and large fruits. This year’s harvest was also 20% better than the last season.
This is the season to enjoy the harvest of Lokam oranges and other citrus fruits from Yong Chun. Sweet, smooth and juicy oranges are always highly anticipated in Fujian.

A farmer dumps basketsful of infested maggot oranges on the side of a road in Yichang, Hubei province, November 10, 2008.

Agriculture experts and officials say there's no need to be concerned about the "Mandarin maggot" event that broke out in the Guangyuan area of Sichuan Province and spread rapidly. The fruit fly maggot (wormlike larval stage) infestation seriously damaged the harvest, market and sales in many parts of China. Sales of citrus are slow in China.

Words from agriculture experts:

Oranges with Maggots


Fruit flies lay their eggs in oranges and other fruit the eggs hatch into larva, tiny white worms that develop into flies. Maggots are unpleasant but they are not harmful to health.
To spot infested fruit, look for fruit that usually has small holes in the skin where flies lay their eggs. Maggots can be seen in segments of infested fruit.

Consumers should be careful, but calm.

Fruit fly infestation is caused by contact with already-infested plants and produce.
Fruit fly maggots are not harmful to humans but should not be ingested.
If you do ingest a fruit fly maggot and feel ill, see a doctor.