By: Natasha Archary
An Australian traveller was fined over $2000 (R33 000) for ‘smuggling’ McDonalds in his luggage.
The man who flew from Bali to Darwin, Australia failed to declare a few McMuffins and a ham croissant and was served the hefty fine.
This is due to Australia’s strict stance against foot-and-mouth disease, which Bali recently noted an outbreak of.
The man’s contraband meal was detected by Darwin Airport’s sniffer dog.
Airport officials said no sympathy would be shown to travellers who disregard its strict biosecurity protocols.
Those entering Australia with a temporary visa may have their visas cancelled if they fail to declare any meat or dairy products for inspection.
Travellers who want to avoid forking out heavy penalties are advised to discard any food items before going through the biosecurity screening terminals.
Tourists entering Australia from Indonesia, particularly popular holiday destination Bali, will be put under much stricter biosecurity screening.
While Bali is currently clear of any foot-and-mouth cases, on 15 July Indonesian authorities reported 63 cases in livestock.
An outbreak in Australia could cost the country more than $77.5 billion.
Also read: Gordon Ramsay was lambasted over a video where he appears to select a lamb to slaughter
