The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is currently responding to a Khapra Beetle detection associated with a brand of nappy pants imported to Australia and sold in Woolworths stores.

The detection was reported on 7 September to the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development after larvae were found in the nappy pants.

This detection – in Little One’s Ultra Dry Nappy Pants - Walker Size 5 (42pk) - was referred to DAFF, who directed that the remaining stock be removed and secured.

The nappy pants were sold nationally only through Woolworths stores, and no other nappy sizes or brands are considered to be affected at this stage.

DAFF recommends that members of the public who have purchased Little One’s Nappy Pants or any goods with signs of insect or pest activity do not use the goods and do not dispose of the goods or their packaging - where possible, seal the goods and their packaging in a bag to prevent any pest spread, and call 1800 798 636 or visit Report a pest or disease concern.

What to look for

Adult beetles are:

• light yellowish brown to dark brown in colour
• oval shaped
• tiny, just 1.6 to 3 millimetres long.

Larvae typically:

• appear very hairy, forming distinctive tufts over the body and giving the appearance of a short tail
• range in size from 1.6 to 4.5 millimetres long
• are initially pale yellow and become golden-brown when they grow.

Khapra beetles are a serious pest of stored grain and dry foodstuffs worldwide. The beetle is not currently present in Australia, and if it spreads, it would pose a major threat to Australia’s grains and other plant industries. Khapra beetles can cause some skin irritation and can be allergenic, but do not pose an immediate risk to human health in this context.

The importer and Woolworths – who stocked the product nationally – have been working with DAFF to ensure all goods associated with this shipment have been traced and treated where appropriate, to ensure they do not pose an ongoing biosecurity risk.

DAFF continues to work closely with state and territory governments and key industry bodies on tracing and treatment requirements.

If you do find something, please report it immediately by going online to Report a pest or disease concern or by calling 1800 798 636.