Major fruit and vegetable grower Perfection Fresh says it will cut a “significant” number of jobs, due to the impact of a virus that has been detected in its tomato plants.

The company has previously warned that South Australian government biosecurity restrictions could result in the loss of up to 500 employees.

Perfection Fresh is one of three businesses hit by tomato brown rugose fruit virus in South Australia — the first time the virus has been detected in Australia.

The outbreak has led to Western Australia and Queensland banning SA tomatoes, while New South Wales is only dealing with businesses in the clear.

Perfection Fresh is one of Australia’s largest fruit and vegetable producers and the outbreak has resulted in hundreds of tonnes of tomatoes being destroyed, and concerns tomato prices will rise in parts of the country.

Affected tomatoes might appear mottled or brown, but are safe to eat.

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