Company fined for illegally selling imported food

A company allegedly caught selling imported food without approval has been slapped with a steep $13,320 fine by the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.

The infringement notice, issued under subsection 9(4) of the Imported Food Control Act 1992, was meted out because the company had been distributing food without going through the proper channels of approval.

The company, thus far unnamed, was found to be selling the foodstuffs without having them properly inspected for compliance with Australia’s strict food and biosecurity standards. These laws have been put in place to protect the delicate and unique ecosystems around the country.

“Illegally importing food products could expose Australia’s agricultural industries, environment and the community to serious food safety and biosecurity risk,” said Head of Biosecurity at DAWE, Andrew Tongue, who also emphasised that the fine would have been entirely avoidable had the company acted in a legal manner.

“The hefty infringement notice handed down by the department shows that flouting Australian import conditions will not be tolerated.”

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