NSW Farmers is urging parents and carers who’ve purchased imported nappies – including Little One’s Nappy Pants – to check for khapra beetles after the federal government confirmed the beetle larvae was found in nappies sold at Woolworths in New South Wales this month.
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said the incident had come as a stark warning of the need to increase Australian biosecurity controls, funding and activity.
“This detection is the wake-up call our government needs to get serious on biosecurity,” Mr Martin said.
“This is a pest that would have the same impact as a foot-and-mouth animal disease outbreak in Australia, and it’s the number one threat to our grains industry.
“Governments have to do everything in their power to contain and eradicate this pest, or the damage will be beyond our worst nightmare.”
The khapra beetle is a destructive pest and poses a significant biosecurity and market access risk to Australia’s grain industry.
The beetle is found in at least 75 countries throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe, and can spread through vectors such as imported grain, foodstuffs, machinery, cargo, mail and travellers.
“More broadly we appear to be losing the biosecurity battle one pest at a time, with the shared responsibility approach not working as clearly evidenced by this detection,” Mr Martin said.
“Recently beef imports from North America have been approved and there is currently an application afoot to import bananas from the Philippines, both of which introduce unnecessary biosecurity risk on products produced in abundance in Australia.”
Footnote: Members of the public who have purchased Little One’s Nappy Pants or any goods with signs of insect or pest activity must not use the goods and should not dispose of the goods or their packaging. Where possible, the goods and their packaging should be sealed in a bag to prevent any pest spread. Authorities should then be contacted on 1800 798636 for further instructions or visit Report a Pest or Disease Concern to report.
