McDonald’s meals are not worth anything more than double digits. If someone is stuck in a pickle and forced to pay $1,874 for the greasy goodness, it’s an unfortunate case.
An air passenger traveling from Bali, Indonesia, to Australia had an encounter with the Darwin Airport’s new biosecurity detector dog, Zinta, after she sniffed something off. Zinta directed the airport officials to the passenger’s backpack. Upon inspection, the personal item contained two undeclared eggs and beef sausage McMuffines and a ham croissant.
These high-risk food items were seized and officials tested for food and mouth disease (FMD). Due to the failure to disclose the items, the passenger was subject to a $2,664 infringement notice. That is quite a hefty charge for these fast food items that are readily available worldwide for a cheap cost.
“This will be the most expensive Maccas meal this passenger ever has, this fine is twice the cost of an airfare to Bali, but I have no sympathy for people who choose to disobey Australia’s strict biosecurity measures, and recent detections show you will be caught,” Minister Murray Watt said.
He added: “Biosecurity is no joke — it helps protect jobs, our farms, food and supports the economy. Passengers who choose to travel need to make sure they are fulfilling the conditions to enter Australia, by following all biosecurity measures.”
Custom declarations need to be submitted accurately to prevent infringement charges. The passenger paid up for a meal that gets destroyed at the airport.
Oh well, there is comfort in knowing that today’s tears will pave the way for tomorrow’s improved choices and memories.
Source: https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/watt/media-releases/darwin-detector-dog-zinta-mcmuffins