Quarantine warns mooncakes could carry disease

AQIS — the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service — is warning Australians that the dangerous bird flu virus could come into Australia in egg and meat-filled mooncakes made overseas. 

All poultry and meat products from overseas could carry a number of viruses, including bird flu or foot and mouth disease, which are not in Australia. Exotic pests and diseases have the potential to devastate Australia’s agriculture industries, natural environment and possibly affect human health.

AQIS spokesperson, Carson Creagh, appealed to anyone planning to bring or mail mooncakes to Australia, to buy these delicacies free of eggs or meat, and to declare all food and products made from plants and animals on their Incoming Passenger Card or mail declaration label.

“AQIS seizes thousands of egg and meat-filled mooncakes every year around the time of the Chinese Moon Festival,” said Mr Creagh.

“To avoid disappointment, it’s important to find out what you can and can’t bring into Australia before you travel. And remember to tell friends and family who send mail to Australia that some products are prohibited.” 

Australia is serious about quarantine. People who break quarantine laws can face on-the-spot fines of $220, and penalties of more than $60,000 or 10 years’ imprisonment for serious breaches.

The Australian Government has a number of initiatives to help prevent bird flu and other diseases entering the country. These include monitoring of the spread of the disease overseas and screening of all luggage and mail entering the country. 

“We want people to understand that quarantine laws are designed to protect Australia from diseases. All Australians and visitors to our country can help keep Australia free of exotic pests and diseases,” Mr Creagh said.

For more information about bringing items into Australia, call the AQIS office in your state, ask your travel agent for a copy in Chinese of the Quarantine brochures What Can't I Take Into Australia? and What Can't Be Mailed To Australia? or see the AQIS web site www.aqis.gov.au/chinese