June 11, 2026
Testing has confirmed that some imported peanuts being sold in Australia can germinate, proving they are raw and not roasted as labelled, a Federal MP has warned.
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has written to Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins urging an immediate investigation by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
“This is a serious biosecurity breach,” Mr Littleproud said.
“These peanuts are being sold Australia-wide, and independent testing has confirmed they are raw.”
Raw peanuts cannot legally enter Australia without a DAFF import permit and processing at an AQIS-approved quarantine facility.
South Burnett peanut grower Peter Howlett said the importation of raw peanuts could wipe out the entire peanut production in Australia.
“Countries like Brazil carry Peanut Smut, a devastating soil-borne disease currently not present in Australia, and which can slash peanut yields between 40 and 70 per cent,” Mr Howlett said.
“Once it’s in Australian soil, it’s almost impossible to eradicate.”
Mr Littleproud said importers appeared to be deliberately miscoding products on Customs documentation to avoid biosecurity requirements placing the Australian industry at risk.
“The government must act before the it’s too late. The imported raw peanuts need to be recalled immediately and destroyed,” he said.
Mr Littleproud has called on Minister Collins to ensure that all suspected non-compliant stock is quarantined and to compel importers to immediately recall affected products.
