The Australian authorities imposed a fine of 2,664 local dollars (more than 1,860 US dollars or 1,822 euros) to a passenger from Indonesia who did not declare two sausage and egg sandwiches upon arrival ( the so-called McDonald’s McMuffin) and a croissant with ham.
According to local authorities on Monday, these foods, which will be analyzed to determine if they are contaminated with foot-and-mouth disease, were detected last week at the airport in the northern city of Darwin by Zinta, a dog from the Australian biosecurity department.
“This will be the most expensive Maccas (McDonald’s) meal this passenger has ever paid for,” Australian Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said in a statement released today.
Murray was referring to the fine imposed on the Australian returning from Indonesia for violating the country’s food safety regulations, among the strictest in the world, and lying on his travel declaration.
Australia has stepped up surveillance at airports due to the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, in Indonesia, including Bali, a top destination for Australians.
Fearing that foot-and-mouth disease will spread in the oceanic country, endangering million-dollar agricultural and livestock exports, the Australian authorities consider that meat products from Indonesia pose a great risk to the nation.
“Australia is free of foot-and-mouth disease and wants to continue to stay that way,” Minister Watt said in a statement on Monday.
In addition to redoubling security at Australian airports, the government of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to prevent the virus from spreading in the country, has implemented measures such as the placement of mats to disinfect passengers’ flip-flops and shoes. from Indonesia.