'This will be the most expensive Macca's meal this passenger ever has'

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A traveller returning from Bali has been slapped with a hefty fine after trying to bring undeclared McDonald's products into Australia.

The contraband Macca's run included two egg and beef sausage McMuffins, hot cakes and a ham croissant.

It was detected at Darwin Airport by the facilities new detector dog Zinta last week, with the returning passenger issued a $2664 infringement notice.

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Undeclared McDonald's products were found by a detection dog at Darwin Airport last week, stoking foot and mouth fears.

The seized meat products will be tested for foot and mouth disease (FMD) before they are destroyed.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said Australia is committed to staying "FMD-free".

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Zinta was placed at Darwin Airport as part of the Albanese Government's tough new biosecurity defences.

"This will be the most expensive Macca's meal this passenger ever has, this fine is twice the cost of an airfare to Bali," he said.

"But I have no sympathy for people who choose to disobey Australia's strict biosecurity measures, and recent detections show you will be caught.

"Australia is FMD-free, and we want it to stay that way.

"It's excellent to see (Zinta) is already contributing to keeping the country safe."

READ MORE: What is foot and mouth disease and can humans get it?

Foot and mouth disease causes blisters on the mouth, snout, tongue, lips and between and above the hooves on the feet.

FMD is a highly-contagious virus that affects hooved animals.

An outbreak is currently spreading through Indonesia and Bali. If the virus reaches Australian shores it could cost as much as $80 billion over 10 years.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) says FMD can be carried in meat and dairy products, as well as in soil, bones, untreated hides, vehicles and equipment.

It can also survive in frozen, chilled and freeze-dried foods including meat and dairy products.



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