PRAWNS infected with cholera, peanuts contaminated with dangerous pesticides and cheese carrying the harmful listeria bacteria have been intercepted on their way to Australia.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service rejected almost 350 shipments of food for failing to meet chemical and bacterial standards in the 10 months to October 30, including four shipments of cooked prawns from China and Thailand found to have cholera bacteria.

Illustration: Matt Golding.

Chlorpyrifos, a pesticide linked to neurological defects and developmental and autoimmune disorders, was found in peanuts imported from China on six occasions.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority began a review of chlorpyrifos because of concerns over its toxicity and potential risks but a final report has not been handed down.