Bunnings, a major hardware chain in Australia, is currently looking into a potential biosecurity issue surrounding millet brooms at one of its stores in the New South Wales Riverina region. The concern arose when a farmer from Australia's rice-growing heartland noticed what appeared to be rice plants within the brooms being sold at the store, which are imported from China.
Keith Rowe, a former rice grower with two decades of experience, identified the presence of rice plants in the millet brooms and expressed worry over the possible biosecurity implications of this discovery. Australia, known for its stringent biosecurity measures and being relatively free from rice-related diseases and pests, is now facing concerns over the intrusion of rice plants in imported products sold at a popular hardware chain. Bunnings, in response to the concerns raised, emphasized their commitment to biosecurity and mentioned working closely with suppliers and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.