Why can't some foods be brought into Australia?

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Alan

Australia started out pretty slack- then somebody brought in 24 rabbits and they got loose. The devestation is ongoing.
More has been done by foxes and feral cats. The local wildlife had several species that are now extinct.
Even when careful, things go wrong. The cane toad was introduced to combat bugs in sugar cane, but has become a catastrophe in it own right.
Meanwhile, our livestock are rabies-free, and even (dare I say it) free of Mad Cow disease.
Do you know how THAT is spread? I believe it's by feed contaminated foodstufs to healthy livestock.
And let's not forget bird flu.

Australia's isolation has helped in the past- any sick animal was usually dead & thrown overboard by the time a ship docked. Air travel is much more convenient- bit it also means we HAVE to be careful.

Imelda

because Australia has flora and fauna unique to Australia - it is very important that no bugs, (for want of a more scientific word!) are brought in on foods, plants, other materials such as sand, some fabrics, feathers etc. I think customs and quarantine are OVER careful - and don't allow in some things that probably wouldn't be harmful - but with all the amazing animals and plants here, it's justified, and I'm sure most Aussies feel that it's important to keep it safe too.

YoongLeong

quarantine. Australia is very careful, to ensure that any diseases/pests don't enter their country. its a good thing..

Elizabeth

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service Home

AQIS is Australia's first line of defence, reducing the risk to our agriculture industries and environment against exotic pests and diseases.
Quarantine controls at Australia's borders minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia and protects our $32 billion agriculture export industries as well as our environment, tourism industries and lifestyle.

DreadSmurf

See Imeldas answer, Sums things up beautifully.

Mirowera

Because of quarantee restrictions. Australia being an island continent is virtually free from a lot of plant and animal diseases that other countries have such as rabies and mad cow, also a lot of crop diseases we don't want here

Swannies

"Some" foods can't be brought into Australia for the same reason "some" foods can't be taken into other countries.

"Some" foods contain diseases, bugs etc which would contaminate local environment, crops or products.

I thought it would be blatantly obvious that "some" foods would be placed on a banned list.

ODYSSEY T

Because of Australian Quarantine Regulations. Australia is a "lucky" country not only because of its free speech, it's booming economy and so forth but because of its strict stance on pests and diseases.

Certain types of food and even plants for that matter CANNOT be brought into Australia. Authorities are always concerned about the interests of public health and concerns of diseases being replicated in Australia which have been introduced by foreigners and travellers coming back here.

With international and global travel on the increase, it's hard to imagine that current quarantine laws here in Australia could be eased or "cooled off"; I can only see that as being only a recipe for disaster!

lisseth

egg products simply CAN NOT be brought into australia from china, but other substances like plants and animal materials is purely because we dont want another rabbit infestation.

Aaron S

because we need more
delicious food so we can be cool

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