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Expert finds fault with banana study
9 Mar 2004
A University of Queensland expert in banana diseases says Biosecurity Australia has made a series of scientific errors in its decision to allow imports of Philippine bananas. Dr Mark Fegan said BA's calculations were "questionable" and "lacking in scientific vigour". He queried BA's findings on the risk of Moko disease entering Australia, which BA said could be reduced to an acceptable very low level.
Dr Fegan detailed a number of other problems with BA's report. His study was independent and not commissioned by any of the parties in the dispute.
BA defended its import-risk analysis and said there was a range of opinion about some of the scientific points raise by Dr Fegan. The agency reiterated that it had "very thoroughly addressed the quarantine risks associated with Philippine bananas".
Australian Financial Review, 9/3/04.
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