Biosecurity Vanuatu has destroyed a full container of imported rice and a separate shipment of frozen chicken after inspections revealed serious biosecurity and food safety risks.

Acting Principal Biosecurity Officer Sylvie Boulekouran confirmed that officers detected live storage pests in rice imported from Vietnam during routine inspections last week. Following assessment, the department made the decision to destroy the entire consignment.

A total of 5,508 kilograms of rice — equivalent to 306 bags of 18 kilograms — was destroyed at the Etas dumpsite. The container arrived last week, with the final decision to destroy the rice made on Thursday after confirmation of infestation.

Ms Boulekouran explained that while rice imports are permitted under strict conditions, storage pests can hatch over time if treatment is inadequate or if infestation occurs after treatment in the exporting country. 

“When officers find infested products during inspection, a decision can be made to destroy them to prevent pests from spreading,” she said.

No penalties were issued to the importer; however, a destruction certificate was provided, allowing the importer to later claim compensation for losses. The importer was required to pay a destruction fee.

Biosecurity Vanuatu is now strongly advising all importers to ensure their storage facilities are properly treated and maintained. From next year, officers will begin inspecting storage facilities as transitional facilities to ensure they meet required treatment standards. Certificates of treatment will also be monitored to ensure they remain valid.

“If facilities are not properly treated, they can become breeding grounds for pests and contaminate new consignments,” Ms Boulekouran warned.

In a separate incident, Biosecurity officers also destroyed a container of frozen chicken imported from Australia after it was found unfit for human consumption due to temperature issues during transit. The shipment contained 960 cartons weighing 16,650 kilograms.

Ms Boulekouran stressed that all animal products must meet import requirements, including valid expiry dates and correct temperature control.

 “Frozen meat must be maintained at minus 12 degrees Celsius upon arrival and while on the wharf,” she said.

Biosecurity Vanuatu continues to reinforce its commitment to protecting public health, food safety, and the country’s borders from biosecurity threats.