The Ministry of Primary Industries is upping its response to potential fruit fly sightings.

In response to two cases in Whangarei this year, the ministry has received two newly fitted field laboratories to aid its fruit fly diagnostic work.

MPI's Investigation Diagnostic Centres and Response Director, Veronica Herrera says the new field laboratories will give them one or two days head start to deal with a potential outbreak.

She says unlike their cramped predecessors, the new labs have much better lighting and ventilation to help insect specialists work efficiently.