Eagle-eyed find in Bunnings item prompts biosecurity investigation

A biosecurity investigation has been launched after a customer discovered what appears to be a rice plant in a broom imported from China at a Bunnings store. The customer posted on social media that he found the plant in a straw broom and had notified the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, as well as Bunnings.

Bunnings has removed the product from its shelves and is in contact with relevant authorities. A Bunnings spokesperson stated, "We take our biosecurity commitments very seriously and work with our suppliers and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to ensure our products meet all relevant biosecurity and import regulations." The spokesperson added, "As a matter of high precaution, we have removed the brooms from sale as soon as we became aware of these issues, while we investigate with our two millet broom suppliers and quarantine regulators."

Bunnings emphasized that all appropriate biosecurity measures were taken when the product was imported. "We strictly adhere to biosecurity requirements for all imported products and can confirm the product has undergone 24-hour high-temperature heat treatment and methyl bromide fumigation to ensure any residual seed material is unable to germinate," the spokesperson said.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is investigating reports of "millet brooms containing rice seeds being sold in Australian hardware stores." A spokesperson said, "We are working with the retailer to ensure the goods are secured while the investigation continues." The department is examining whether the brooms have been treated appropriately to reduce any biosecurity risk or whether additional treatment is required. "Contaminant seeds can be a potential pathway for the introduction of plant pathogens. Our import conditions manage these risks by applying import requirements which require biosecurity treatments."