Australian parents are being urged to check their children's nappies after a "serious pest" was detected inside the packaging of a popular brand sold nationally at Woolworths.
On September 7, Khapra Beetle larvae were found in a packet of Little One's Ultra Dry Nappy Pants (Walker Size 5, 42 pack), in New South Wales. The incident was reported to the state's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, which alerted the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
According to the DAFF, the nappy pants were sold exclusively at Woolworths stores nationwide, and no other nappy sizes or brands are currently believed to be affected. It is encouraging parents who have purchased the brand, who suspect pest activity, not to throw them in the bin.
"Do not dispose of the goods or their packaging -- where possible, seal the goods and their packaging in a bag to prevent any pest spread, and call 1800 798 636 or visit Report a pest or disease concern," the DAFF said in a statement overnight.
"The beetle is not currently present in Australia, and if it spreads it would pose a major threat to Australia's grains and other plant industries," DAFF warned.
The Khapra beetle is considered one of the world's most destructive pests of stored grain and dried food products. Native to South Asia, it feeds on a wide range of goods including wheat, rice, barley, oats, flour, pasta and even dried fruit. Once established, infestations are extremely difficult and costly to eradicate, as the beetle can survive for long periods without food and is resistant to many controls.
For Australia, which relies heavily on grain exports, the arrival of the Khapra beetle would be devastating. It could cause massive economic losses through crop damage, trade restrictions and expensive eradication programs. Strict biosecurity measures are in place to prevent its entry, and it's listed as a top-priority pest by the Department of Agriculture.
The Khapra beetle is not a health concern for people -- it doesn't bite, sting or transmit disease. The risk is almost entirely to agriculture, food storage and trade. "Khapra beetles can cause some skin irritation and can be allergenic, but do not pose an immediate risk to human health in this context," the DAFF said.
DAFF says Woolworths and the importer have helped trace and treat all affected goods to remove any biosecurity risk. The department is also working with state governments and industry groups and has thanked both parties for their cooperation in the response.
"People working with imported goods, at ports, in warehouses or those transporting containers, need to be vigilant for hitchhiker pests," it said.