Members, we have an intriguing story to share that will make you think twice before buying a popular item at the supermarket. It all starts with an unsuspecting ALDI shopper who raised an eyebrow at a warning label on a packet of prawn cutlets.

The curious customer shared a photo on a Facebook group dedicated to ALDI lovers, challenging the label that read, 'Not to be used as bait'.

She asked, 'Why not? What will happen if I do?'

Little did she know that this seemingly quirky warning actually served to protect Australia's local aquaculture industry from a hidden danger: the potential disease rife in imported prawns.

A shopper raised a question regarding a prawn product sold at ALDI, which carried a warning label stating that it should not be used as bait. Credit: Facebook.

In response to her innocent inquiry, several fellow ALDI fanatics chimed in with informative answers. 'It may introduce a disease into the waterways,' cautioned one member.

A marine biologist among the group further confirmed, 'The spread of disease from raw prawns is the reason. Because white spot is a virus that will decimate our local prawn farms, it's not killed by freezing, so while they are safe to eat, they are not OK to use as bait.'

It turns out that ALDI isn't the only supermarket selling imported prawns with this peculiar warning. Both Woolworths and Coles carry similar labels on their packets of raw prawns sourced from other countries. It's essential to heed this warning to prevent catastrophic consequences for our invaluable Aussie aquatic life.

White spot—a virus more menacing to prawns than it sounds—is a highly contagious disease affecting crustaceans such as crabs, prawns, and lobsters, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Previously detected in certain imported, uncooked prawns, this virus poses no threat to human health or food safety, so indulging in these tasty treats is perfectly safe. However, if these prawns were to find their way into local waterways, the devastating effects on marine life would be immeasurable.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is calling for everyone’s help in protecting Australian waterways.

As they noted, 'We need help from Australia's fishing community to ensure that the virus that causes white spot is not introduced to waterways through infected prawns. Outbreaks of white spot can have devastating impacts on aquaculture businesses and potentially harm popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.'

​

Ensuring the cleanliness and health of our waterways is a collective responsibility for all who utilise them. It doesn't matter where you are in Australia; adopting a few simple measures to stop the spread of aquatic diseases and the transmission of marine pests is important.

Transporting contaminated bait and fishing equipment carries a substantial risk of spreading diseases and pests among aquatic creatures. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when moving them between different water bodies.

Disease outbreaks have far-reaching consequences beyond ecology alone. They can cause significant social and economic damage to Australia's seafood industries, highlighting the seriousness of this problem.

Key Takeaways

• An ALDI shopper questioned why a prawn product comes with a warning label that says 'not to be used as bait'.
• Imported prawn products, like ALDI's prawn cutlets, could be carrying a highly contagious virus that can cause devastation to local aquaculture industries.
• The virus in question is white spot, which affects crustaceans and has been detected in some imported, uncooked prawns. This virus significantly impacts aquaculture businesses and popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.
• ALDI prawns and those available at Woolworths and Coles carry similar warnings for human consumption only and are not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals.

We have an important part to play in safeguarding Australia's aquaculture industry, both for ourselves and for future generations. So, the next time you're grocery shopping, remember to keep an eye out for those critical warning labels on imported prawns and spread the word to your fellow shoppers to follow suit.

Together, we can ensure that our favourite seafood remains a local treasure—fresh, delicious, and, most importantly, safely sourced.

We would love to hear from you, members. Have you noticed these warning labels in your local stores as well? Please share your experiences with us in the comments!

 

[Janmf]

Members, we have an intriguing story to share that will make you think twice before buying a popular item at the supermarket. It all starts with an unsuspecting ALDI shopper who raised an eyebrow at a warning label on a packet of prawn cutlets.

The curious customer shared a photo on a Facebook group dedicated to ALDI lovers, challenging the label that read, 'Not to be used as bait'.

She asked, 'Why not? What will happen if I do?'

Little did she know that this seemingly quirky warning actually served to protect Australia's local aquaculture industry from a hidden danger: the potential disease rife in imported prawns.

View attachment 23330

A shopper raised a question regarding a prawn product sold at ALDI, which carried a warning label stating that it should not be used as bait. Credit: Facebook.

In response to her innocent inquiry, several fellow ALDI fanatics chimed in with informative answers. 'It may introduce a disease into the waterways,' cautioned one member.

A marine biologist among the group further confirmed, 'The spread of disease from raw prawns is the reason. Because white spot is a virus that will decimate our local prawn farms, it's not killed by freezing, so while they are safe to eat, they are not OK to use as bait.'

It turns out that ALDI isn't the only supermarket selling imported prawns with this peculiar warning. Both Woolworths and Coles carry similar labels on their packets of raw prawns sourced from other countries. It's essential to heed this warning to prevent catastrophic consequences for our invaluable Aussie aquatic life.

White spot—a virus more menacing to prawns than it sounds—is a highly contagious disease affecting crustaceans such as crabs, prawns, and lobsters, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Previously detected in certain imported, uncooked prawns, this virus poses no threat to human health or food safety, so indulging in these tasty treats is perfectly safe. However, if these prawns were to find their way into local waterways, the devastating effects on marine life would be immeasurable.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is calling for everyone’s help in protecting Australian waterways.

As they noted, 'We need help from Australia's fishing community to ensure that the virus that causes white spot is not introduced to waterways through infected prawns. Outbreaks of white spot can have devastating impacts on aquaculture businesses and potentially harm popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.'



Ensuring the cleanliness and health of our waterways is a collective responsibility for all who utilise them. It doesn't matter where you are in Australia; adopting a few simple measures to stop the spread of aquatic diseases and the transmission of marine pests is important.

Transporting contaminated bait and fishing equipment carries a substantial risk of spreading diseases and pests among aquatic creatures. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when moving them between different water bodies.

Disease outbreaks have far-reaching consequences beyond ecology alone. They can cause significant social and economic damage to Australia's seafood industries, highlighting the seriousness of this problem.

Key Takeaways

• An ALDI shopper questioned why a prawn product comes with a warning label that says 'not to be used as bait'.
• Imported prawn products, like ALDI's prawn cutlets, could be carrying a highly contagious virus that can cause devastation to local aquaculture industries.
• The virus in question is white spot, which affects crustaceans and has been detected in some imported, uncooked prawns. This virus significantly impacts aquaculture businesses and popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.
• ALDI prawns and those available at Woolworths and Coles carry similar warnings for human consumption only and are not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals.

We have an important part to play in safeguarding Australia's aquaculture industry, both for ourselves and for future generations. So, the next time you're grocery shopping, remember to keep an eye out for those critical warning labels on imported prawns and spread the word to your fellow shoppers to follow suit.

Together, we can ensure that our favourite seafood remains a local treasure—fresh, delicious, and, most importantly, safely sourced.

We would love to hear from you, members. Have you noticed these warning labels in your local stores as well? Please share your experiences with us in the comments!

I reckon if it’s bad for seafood than it’s bad foe humans that why I only ever buy Australian seafood , I don’t care how cheap the other is. that’s my treat once a fortnight fresh fish and prawns.

 

[Observer]

I'm sure the fish won't be able to tell the difference with what kind of bait you use LOL

 

[Ricki]

Members, we have an intriguing story to share that will make you think twice before buying a popular item at the supermarket. It all starts with an unsuspecting ALDI shopper who raised an eyebrow at a warning label on a packet of prawn cutlets.

The curious customer shared a photo on a Facebook group dedicated to ALDI lovers, challenging the label that read, 'Not to be used as bait'.

She asked, 'Why not? What will happen if I do?'

Little did she know that this seemingly quirky warning actually served to protect Australia's local aquaculture industry from a hidden danger: the potential disease rife in imported prawns.

View attachment 23330

A shopper raised a question regarding a prawn product sold at ALDI, which carried a warning label stating that it should not be used as bait. Credit: Facebook.

In response to her innocent inquiry, several fellow ALDI fanatics chimed in with informative answers. 'It may introduce a disease into the waterways,' cautioned one member.

A marine biologist among the group further confirmed, 'The spread of disease from raw prawns is the reason. Because white spot is a virus that will decimate our local prawn farms, it's not killed by freezing, so while they are safe to eat, they are not OK to use as bait.'

It turns out that ALDI isn't the only supermarket selling imported prawns with this peculiar warning. Both Woolworths and Coles carry similar labels on their packets of raw prawns sourced from other countries. It's essential to heed this warning to prevent catastrophic consequences for our invaluable Aussie aquatic life.

White spot—a virus more menacing to prawns than it sounds—is a highly contagious disease affecting crustaceans such as crabs, prawns, and lobsters, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Previously detected in certain imported, uncooked prawns, this virus poses no threat to human health or food safety, so indulging in these tasty treats is perfectly safe. However, if these prawns were to find their way into local waterways, the devastating effects on marine life would be immeasurable.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is calling for everyone’s help in protecting Australian waterways.

As they noted, 'We need help from Australia's fishing community to ensure that the virus that causes white spot is not introduced to waterways through infected prawns. Outbreaks of white spot can have devastating impacts on aquaculture businesses and potentially harm popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.'



Ensuring the cleanliness and health of our waterways is a collective responsibility for all who utilise them. It doesn't matter where you are in Australia; adopting a few simple measures to stop the spread of aquatic diseases and the transmission of marine pests is important.

Transporting contaminated bait and fishing equipment carries a substantial risk of spreading diseases and pests among aquatic creatures. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when moving them between different water bodies.

Disease outbreaks have far-reaching consequences beyond ecology alone. They can cause significant social and economic damage to Australia's seafood industries, highlighting the seriousness of this problem.

Key Takeaways

• An ALDI shopper questioned why a prawn product comes with a warning label that says 'not to be used as bait'.
• Imported prawn products, like ALDI's prawn cutlets, could be carrying a highly contagious virus that can cause devastation to local aquaculture industries.
• The virus in question is white spot, which affects crustaceans and has been detected in some imported, uncooked prawns. This virus significantly impacts aquaculture businesses and popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.
• ALDI prawns and those available at Woolworths and Coles carry similar warnings for human consumption only and are not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals.

We have an important part to play in safeguarding Australia's aquaculture industry, both for ourselves and for future generations. So, the next time you're grocery shopping, remember to keep an eye out for those critical warning labels on imported prawns and spread the word to your fellow shoppers to follow suit.

Together, we can ensure that our favourite seafood remains a local treasure—fresh, delicious, and, most importantly, safely sourced.

We would love to hear from you, members. Have you noticed these warning labels in your local stores as well? Please share your experiences with us in the comments!

Actually I have seen this warning and wondered why. We don't fish so I never took it further. Thanks for the info, will be sure to pass it on to others.

 

[AlanQ]

If it's such a potential biohazard, then why the hell is it allowed to be imported? We all know the meat heads of the world aren't going to pay any attention to this 'warning'. But, if their actions to not use as bait do result in the devastation indicated, they'll be the first to come out with "I (possibly) pay my fishing license fee for govt to prevent this sort of thing".

 

[KatKop]

Surely this is not good enough? I had an inherited necklace with a polished Zulu love bean confiscated at the airport yet in this case huge trust is placed in thousands of people to do the right thing? Ha!

 

[Witch25]

If you look at the packet the prawns are a product of China in fact plenty of frozen items even some Australian products are packed in China! I wont touch any of them, same goes for product of New Zealand where a lot of the goods are coming through the back door from China and sold as a New Zealand product. It pays to read the labels these days.

 

[wildlife.rescue.care]

WHY ARE AUSSIES EVEN BUYING OVERSEAS SEAFOOD AND FAILING TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL AUSSIE FISHERMEN ???????

 

[Loubeauxarts]

I don't know if this is related in any way but as a young man I always had coldwater and tropical fish, it was a passion, and the dreaded white spot could wipe out an entire tank in days. Fortunately it was treatable in a controlled environment, can't see how they would treat it on a global scale though.
As for imported produce, beef and poultry products have been banned on several occasions in the past. Notably the 'Mad Cow' epidemic of the '70's and several incidences of Avian Flu so why turn a blind eye to this?
Personally I won't be buying imported seafood again, especially after being alerted to this

 

[Tygie]

Members, we have an intriguing story to share that will make you think twice before buying a popular item at the supermarket. It all starts with an unsuspecting ALDI shopper who raised an eyebrow at a warning label on a packet of prawn cutlets.

The curious customer shared a photo on a Facebook group dedicated to ALDI lovers, challenging the label that read, 'Not to be used as bait'.

She asked, 'Why not? What will happen if I do?'

Little did she know that this seemingly quirky warning actually served to protect Australia's local aquaculture industry from a hidden danger: the potential disease rife in imported prawns.

View attachment 23330

A shopper raised a question regarding a prawn product sold at ALDI, which carried a warning label stating that it should not be used as bait. Credit: Facebook.

In response to her innocent inquiry, several fellow ALDI fanatics chimed in with informative answers. 'It may introduce a disease into the waterways,' cautioned one member.

A marine biologist among the group further confirmed, 'The spread of disease from raw prawns is the reason. Because white spot is a virus that will decimate our local prawn farms, it's not killed by freezing, so while they are safe to eat, they are not OK to use as bait.'

It turns out that ALDI isn't the only supermarket selling imported prawns with this peculiar warning. Both Woolworths and Coles carry similar labels on their packets of raw prawns sourced from other countries. It's essential to heed this warning to prevent catastrophic consequences for our invaluable Aussie aquatic life.

White spot—a virus more menacing to prawns than it sounds—is a highly contagious disease affecting crustaceans such as crabs, prawns, and lobsters, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Previously detected in certain imported, uncooked prawns, this virus poses no threat to human health or food safety, so indulging in these tasty treats is perfectly safe. However, if these prawns were to find their way into local waterways, the devastating effects on marine life would be immeasurable.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is calling for everyone’s help in protecting Australian waterways.

As they noted, 'We need help from Australia's fishing community to ensure that the virus that causes white spot is not introduced to waterways through infected prawns. Outbreaks of white spot can have devastating impacts on aquaculture businesses and potentially harm popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.'

View attachment 23392​

Ensuring the cleanliness and health of our waterways is a collective responsibility for all who utilise them. It doesn't matter where you are in Australia; adopting a few simple measures to stop the spread of aquatic diseases and the transmission of marine pests is important.

Transporting contaminated bait and fishing equipment carries a substantial risk of spreading diseases and pests among aquatic creatures. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when moving them between different water bodies.

Disease outbreaks have far-reaching consequences beyond ecology alone. They can cause significant social and economic damage to Australia's seafood industries, highlighting the seriousness of this problem.

Key Takeaways

• An ALDI shopper questioned why a prawn product comes with a warning label that says 'not to be used as bait'.
• Imported prawn products, like ALDI's prawn cutlets, could be carrying a highly contagious virus that can cause devastation to local aquaculture industries.
• The virus in question is white spot, which affects crustaceans and has been detected in some imported, uncooked prawns. This virus significantly impacts aquaculture businesses and popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.
• ALDI prawns and those available at Woolworths and Coles carry similar warnings for human consumption only and are not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals.

We have an important part to play in safeguarding Australia's aquaculture industry, both for ourselves and for future generations. So, the next time you're grocery shopping, remember to keep an eye out for those critical warning labels on imported prawns and spread the word to your fellow shoppers to follow suit.

Together, we can ensure that our favourite seafood remains a local treasure—fresh, delicious, and, most importantly, safely sourced.

We would love to hear from you, members. Have you noticed these warning labels in your local stores as well? Please share your experiences with us in the comments!

I got two things to say here about this:
1) this is a repeat story from yesterday and a few weeks back too!
2) Aldi is ripping everyone off as the same thing is $10 at Coles.

 

[RFG]

Members, we have an intriguing story to share that will make you think twice before buying a popular item at the supermarket. It all starts with an unsuspecting ALDI shopper who raised an eyebrow at a warning label on a packet of prawn cutlets.

The curious customer shared a photo on a Facebook group dedicated to ALDI lovers, challenging the label that read, 'Not to be used as bait'.

She asked, 'Why not? What will happen if I do?'

Little did she know that this seemingly quirky warning actually served to protect Australia's local aquaculture industry from a hidden danger: the potential disease rife in imported prawns.

View attachment 23330

A shopper raised a question regarding a prawn product sold at ALDI, which carried a warning label stating that it should not be used as bait. Credit: Facebook.

In response to her innocent inquiry, several fellow ALDI fanatics chimed in with informative answers. 'It may introduce a disease into the waterways,' cautioned one member.

A marine biologist among the group further confirmed, 'The spread of disease from raw prawns is the reason. Because white spot is a virus that will decimate our local prawn farms, it's not killed by freezing, so while they are safe to eat, they are not OK to use as bait.'

It turns out that ALDI isn't the only supermarket selling imported prawns with this peculiar warning. Both Woolworths and Coles carry similar labels on their packets of raw prawns sourced from other countries. It's essential to heed this warning to prevent catastrophic consequences for our invaluable Aussie aquatic life.

White spot—a virus more menacing to prawns than it sounds—is a highly contagious disease affecting crustaceans such as crabs, prawns, and lobsters, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Previously detected in certain imported, uncooked prawns, this virus poses no threat to human health or food safety, so indulging in these tasty treats is perfectly safe. However, if these prawns were to find their way into local waterways, the devastating effects on marine life would be immeasurable.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is calling for everyone’s help in protecting Australian waterways.

As they noted, 'We need help from Australia's fishing community to ensure that the virus that causes white spot is not introduced to waterways through infected prawns. Outbreaks of white spot can have devastating impacts on aquaculture businesses and potentially harm popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.'

View attachment 23392​

Ensuring the cleanliness and health of our waterways is a collective responsibility for all who utilise them. It doesn't matter where you are in Australia; adopting a few simple measures to stop the spread of aquatic diseases and the transmission of marine pests is important.

Transporting contaminated bait and fishing equipment carries a substantial risk of spreading diseases and pests among aquatic creatures. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when moving them between different water bodies.

Disease outbreaks have far-reaching consequences beyond ecology alone. They can cause significant social and economic damage to Australia's seafood industries, highlighting the seriousness of this problem.

Key Takeaways

• An ALDI shopper questioned why a prawn product comes with a warning label that says 'not to be used as bait'.
• Imported prawn products, like ALDI's prawn cutlets, could be carrying a highly contagious virus that can cause devastation to local aquaculture industries.
• The virus in question is white spot, which affects crustaceans and has been detected in some imported, uncooked prawns. This virus significantly impacts aquaculture businesses and popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.
• ALDI prawns and those available at Woolworths and Coles carry similar warnings for human consumption only and are not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals.

We have an important part to play in safeguarding Australia's aquaculture industry, both for ourselves and for future generations. So, the next time you're grocery shopping, remember to keep an eye out for those critical warning labels on imported prawns and spread the word to your fellow shoppers to follow suit.

Together, we can ensure that our favourite seafood remains a local treasure—fresh, delicious, and, most importantly, safely sourced.

We would love to hear from you, members. Have you noticed these warning labels in your local stores as well? Please share your experiences with us in the comments!

It's a simple solution. DON'T BUY IMPORTED SEAFOOD. I will never understand the need to buy imported fresh or frozen prawns or other seafood when we have the best available in Australia. Lately, I have been buying Aussie farmed frozen green prawns for soups & stir fry meals and they are large, meatier and certainly cleaner (no poop shoots). The brand is "Tropic Co" Australian Raw prawns from woolies 1kg for $26 and are grown in warm waters of Tropic of Capricorn. Can't get better or more aussie than that.

 

[Shane/#]

Members, we have an intriguing story to share that will make you think twice before buying a popular item at the supermarket. It all starts with an unsuspecting ALDI shopper who raised an eyebrow at a warning label on a packet of prawn cutlets.

The curious customer shared a photo on a Facebook group dedicated to ALDI lovers, challenging the label that read, 'Not to be used as bait'.

She asked, 'Why not? What will happen if I do?'

Little did she know that this seemingly quirky warning actually served to protect Australia's local aquaculture industry from a hidden danger: the potential disease rife in imported prawns.

View attachment 23330

A shopper raised a question regarding a prawn product sold at ALDI, which carried a warning label stating that it should not be used as bait. Credit: Facebook.

In response to her innocent inquiry, several fellow ALDI fanatics chimed in with informative answers. 'It may introduce a disease into the waterways,' cautioned one member.

A marine biologist among the group further confirmed, 'The spread of disease from raw prawns is the reason. Because white spot is a virus that will decimate our local prawn farms, it's not killed by freezing, so while they are safe to eat, they are not OK to use as bait.'

It turns out that ALDI isn't the only supermarket selling imported prawns with this peculiar warning. Both Woolworths and Coles carry similar labels on their packets of raw prawns sourced from other countries. It's essential to heed this warning to prevent catastrophic consequences for our invaluable Aussie aquatic life.

White spot—a virus more menacing to prawns than it sounds—is a highly contagious disease affecting crustaceans such as crabs, prawns, and lobsters, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Previously detected in certain imported, uncooked prawns, this virus poses no threat to human health or food safety, so indulging in these tasty treats is perfectly safe. However, if these prawns were to find their way into local waterways, the devastating effects on marine life would be immeasurable.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is calling for everyone’s help in protecting Australian waterways.

As they noted, 'We need help from Australia's fishing community to ensure that the virus that causes white spot is not introduced to waterways through infected prawns. Outbreaks of white spot can have devastating impacts on aquaculture businesses and potentially harm popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.'

View attachment 23392​

Ensuring the cleanliness and health of our waterways is a collective responsibility for all who utilise them. It doesn't matter where you are in Australia; adopting a few simple measures to stop the spread of aquatic diseases and the transmission of marine pests is important.

Transporting contaminated bait and fishing equipment carries a substantial risk of spreading diseases and pests among aquatic creatures. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when moving them between different water bodies.

Disease outbreaks have far-reaching consequences beyond ecology alone. They can cause significant social and economic damage to Australia's seafood industries, highlighting the seriousness of this problem.

Key Takeaways

• An ALDI shopper questioned why a prawn product comes with a warning label that says 'not to be used as bait'.
• Imported prawn products, like ALDI's prawn cutlets, could be carrying a highly contagious virus that can cause devastation to local aquaculture industries.
• The virus in question is white spot, which affects crustaceans and has been detected in some imported, uncooked prawns. This virus significantly impacts aquaculture businesses and popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.
• ALDI prawns and those available at Woolworths and Coles carry similar warnings for human consumption only and are not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals.

We have an important part to play in safeguarding Australia's aquaculture industry, both for ourselves and for future generations. So, the next time you're grocery shopping, remember to keep an eye out for those critical warning labels on imported prawns and spread the word to your fellow shoppers to follow suit.

Together, we can ensure that our favourite seafood remains a local treasure—fresh, delicious, and, most importantly, safely sourced.

We would love to hear from you, members. Have you noticed these warning labels in your local stores as well? Please share your experiences with us in the comments!

Nothing new this has been around for year's not to use supermarket prawns for bait as they is a possibility of introducing a disease to the local prawn population in Australia white spot, there are only one type of prawn I eat and that's Australian prawns the overseas varieties are grown in shit conditions and I mean

 

[Jennie]

WHY ARE AUSSIES EVEN BUYING OVERSEAS SEAFOOD AND FAILING TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL AUSSIE FISHERMEN ???????

Because in some areas we can't buy local. The travelling fishmonger comes to town only at Christmas.

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

Members, we have an intriguing story to share that will make you think twice before buying a popular item at the supermarket. It all starts with an unsuspecting ALDI shopper who raised an eyebrow at a warning label on a packet of prawn cutlets.

The curious customer shared a photo on a Facebook group dedicated to ALDI lovers, challenging the label that read, 'Not to be used as bait'.

She asked, 'Why not? What will happen if I do?'

Little did she know that this seemingly quirky warning actually served to protect Australia's local aquaculture industry from a hidden danger: the potential disease rife in imported prawns.

View attachment 23330

A shopper raised a question regarding a prawn product sold at ALDI, which carried a warning label stating that it should not be used as bait. Credit: Facebook.

In response to her innocent inquiry, several fellow ALDI fanatics chimed in with informative answers. 'It may introduce a disease into the waterways,' cautioned one member.

A marine biologist among the group further confirmed, 'The spread of disease from raw prawns is the reason. Because white spot is a virus that will decimate our local prawn farms, it's not killed by freezing, so while they are safe to eat, they are not OK to use as bait.'

It turns out that ALDI isn't the only supermarket selling imported prawns with this peculiar warning. Both Woolworths and Coles carry similar labels on their packets of raw prawns sourced from other countries. It's essential to heed this warning to prevent catastrophic consequences for our invaluable Aussie aquatic life.

White spot—a virus more menacing to prawns than it sounds—is a highly contagious disease affecting crustaceans such as crabs, prawns, and lobsters, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Previously detected in certain imported, uncooked prawns, this virus poses no threat to human health or food safety, so indulging in these tasty treats is perfectly safe. However, if these prawns were to find their way into local waterways, the devastating effects on marine life would be immeasurable.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is calling for everyone’s help in protecting Australian waterways.

As they noted, 'We need help from Australia's fishing community to ensure that the virus that causes white spot is not introduced to waterways through infected prawns. Outbreaks of white spot can have devastating impacts on aquaculture businesses and potentially harm popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.'

View attachment 23392​

Ensuring the cleanliness and health of our waterways is a collective responsibility for all who utilise them. It doesn't matter where you are in Australia; adopting a few simple measures to stop the spread of aquatic diseases and the transmission of marine pests is important.

Transporting contaminated bait and fishing equipment carries a substantial risk of spreading diseases and pests among aquatic creatures. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when moving them between different water bodies.

Disease outbreaks have far-reaching consequences beyond ecology alone. They can cause significant social and economic damage to Australia's seafood industries, highlighting the seriousness of this problem.

Key Takeaways

• An ALDI shopper questioned why a prawn product comes with a warning label that says 'not to be used as bait'.
• Imported prawn products, like ALDI's prawn cutlets, could be carrying a highly contagious virus that can cause devastation to local aquaculture industries.
• The virus in question is white spot, which affects crustaceans and has been detected in some imported, uncooked prawns. This virus significantly impacts aquaculture businesses and popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.
• ALDI prawns and those available at Woolworths and Coles carry similar warnings for human consumption only and are not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals.

We have an important part to play in safeguarding Australia's aquaculture industry, both for ourselves and for future generations. So, the next time you're grocery shopping, remember to keep an eye out for those critical warning labels on imported prawns and spread the word to your fellow shoppers to follow suit.

Together, we can ensure that our favourite seafood remains a local treasure—fresh, delicious, and, most importantly, safely sourced.

We would love to hear from you, members. Have you noticed these warning labels in your local stores as well? Please share your experiences with us in the comments!

Why would anyone buy overseas fish when Australia and New Zealand has the best and disease free fish in the world!

 

[Wandiwa]

WHY ARE AUSSIES EVEN BUYING OVERSEAS SEAFOOD AND FAILING TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL AUSSIE FISHERMEN ???????

Because it's cheap ...... eg Vietnamese Basa is $9 a kilo in my Coles, no Aussie fish is anywhere near that price. I wont touch Asian seafood.

 

[bluetang]

Members, we have an intriguing story to share that will make you think twice before buying a popular item at the supermarket. It all starts with an unsuspecting ALDI shopper who raised an eyebrow at a warning label on a packet of prawn cutlets.

The curious customer shared a photo on a Facebook group dedicated to ALDI lovers, challenging the label that read, 'Not to be used as bait'.

She asked, 'Why not? What will happen if I do?'

Little did she know that this seemingly quirky warning actually served to protect Australia's local aquaculture industry from a hidden danger: the potential disease rife in imported prawns.

View attachment 23330

A shopper raised a question regarding a prawn product sold at ALDI, which carried a warning label stating that it should not be used as bait. Credit: Facebook.

In response to her innocent inquiry, several fellow ALDI fanatics chimed in with informative answers. 'It may introduce a disease into the waterways,' cautioned one member.

A marine biologist among the group further confirmed, 'The spread of disease from raw prawns is the reason. Because white spot is a virus that will decimate our local prawn farms, it's not killed by freezing, so while they are safe to eat, they are not OK to use as bait.'

It turns out that ALDI isn't the only supermarket selling imported prawns with this peculiar warning. Both Woolworths and Coles carry similar labels on their packets of raw prawns sourced from other countries. It's essential to heed this warning to prevent catastrophic consequences for our invaluable Aussie aquatic life.

White spot—a virus more menacing to prawns than it sounds—is a highly contagious disease affecting crustaceans such as crabs, prawns, and lobsters, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Previously detected in certain imported, uncooked prawns, this virus poses no threat to human health or food safety, so indulging in these tasty treats is perfectly safe. However, if these prawns were to find their way into local waterways, the devastating effects on marine life would be immeasurable.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries is calling for everyone’s help in protecting Australian waterways.

As they noted, 'We need help from Australia's fishing community to ensure that the virus that causes white spot is not introduced to waterways through infected prawns. Outbreaks of white spot can have devastating impacts on aquaculture businesses and potentially harm popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.'

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Ensuring the cleanliness and health of our waterways is a collective responsibility for all who utilise them. It doesn't matter where you are in Australia; adopting a few simple measures to stop the spread of aquatic diseases and the transmission of marine pests is important.

Transporting contaminated bait and fishing equipment carries a substantial risk of spreading diseases and pests among aquatic creatures. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when moving them between different water bodies.

Disease outbreaks have far-reaching consequences beyond ecology alone. They can cause significant social and economic damage to Australia's seafood industries, highlighting the seriousness of this problem.

Key Takeaways

• An ALDI shopper questioned why a prawn product comes with a warning label that says 'not to be used as bait'.
• Imported prawn products, like ALDI's prawn cutlets, could be carrying a highly contagious virus that can cause devastation to local aquaculture industries.
• The virus in question is white spot, which affects crustaceans and has been detected in some imported, uncooked prawns. This virus significantly impacts aquaculture businesses and popular commercial and recreational fishing areas.
• ALDI prawns and those available at Woolworths and Coles carry similar warnings for human consumption only and are not to be used as bait or feed for aquatic animals.

We have an important part to play in safeguarding Australia's aquaculture industry, both for ourselves and for future generations. So, the next time you're grocery shopping, remember to keep an eye out for those critical warning labels on imported prawns and spread the word to your fellow shoppers to follow suit.

Together, we can ensure that our favourite seafood remains a local treasure—fresh, delicious, and, most importantly, safely sourced.

We would love to hear from you, members. Have you noticed these warning labels in your local stores as well? Please share your experiences with us in the comments!

No I hadn't noticed these warning labels. Protect our fishing industry by buying Australian prawns and let the supermarkets know that imported prawns are not the go.

 

[Subduedshilo]

Just one question. WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT NOT BAN THESE TYPE OF IMPORTS????(,

 

[johno cpfc]

Just one question. WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT NOT BAN THESE TYPE OF IMPORTS????(,

Politics,Politics,Politics !!!

 

[BRIAN KK]

Just one question. WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT NOT BAN THESE TYPE OF IMPORTS????(,

AGREED, FOR SURE.

 

[Zemo]

WHY ARE AUSSIES EVEN BUYING OVERSEAS SEAFOOD AND FAILING TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL AUSSIE FISHERMEN ???????

This comes under the heading of "A good question". It could also be doubled up with another question to the chains: "Could you give us a good reason why you go out of your way to encourage this practice of NOT buying Auatralian?"