Don't try to take mooncakes to Oz, Chinese
told,BEIJING (Reuters) August 30, 2007
China told its people on Thursday not to take mooncakes
containing egg yolk or meat to Australia because of the threat of
bird flu and other diseases.
The Foreign Ministry reminded people heading to Australia for the
Sept. 25 Mid-Autumn Festival of strict quarantine laws which
prohibit the import of a wide range of food for fear of diseases
such as bird flu, Newcastle disease and foot and mouth.
The strict quarantine laws carry fines of up to $49,000 and 10
years' jail for failure to declare banned foods.
A mooncake is seen at a bakery in Hong Kong in this September 15,
2004 file photo. China told its people on Thursday not to take
mooncakes containing egg yolk or meat to Australia because of the
threat of bird flu and other diseases. (REUTERS/Bobby Yip)
"The bans are necessary to protect Australia's high animal, plant
and human health standards from exotic pests and guard lucrative
overseas export products," the government said.
Mooncakes, a sweet, pastry with a bean or nut base and an acquired
taste for many in the West, are a traditional treat for Chinese
around the world during the Mid-Autumn, or Moon, Festival.
Copyright © 2007 Reuters
Food
Quarantine restrictions apply to many raw foods and certain
processed foods brought through the airport or mailed to Australia.
The following items are prohibited:
* eggs and egg products
* dairy products
* uncanned meat
* seeds and nuts
* fresh fruit and vegetables
