$31,500 fine for selling ‘edible bird’s nest’

AUCKLAND: An Auckland woman has been fined $31,500 for selling ‘‘edible bird’s nest’’ on WeChat.

Linying Ouyang (30) pleaded guilty to three charges under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and was sentenced this week in the Waitakere District Court.

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) national manager compliance investigations Ron Scott said bird’s nests were a Chinese delicacy made from the saliva of the swiftlet bird, which could carry diseases.

‘‘[They] are a biosecurity risk and this is why untreated products are not allowed into New Zealand.’’

The offending was premeditated, and involved selling unauthorised goods for financial gain, Mr Scott said.

‘‘Having edible bird’s nests increases New Zealand’s risk of exposure to avian pathogens. MPI takes a firm stance on cases involving bird’s nests and this case shows our commitment to removing that risk.’’

The charges relate to incidents between May 8 and November 25 last year. A search warrant was executed at Ouyang’s home on November 25 last year.

Ouyang’s cellphone and laptop were seized as part of the examination along with records of WeChat conversations.

Findings revealed two completed sales and four attempts to sell dry edible bird’s nests through a WeChat group where she advertised edible bird’s nests for sale.

Ouyang also posted a photo of the dry edible bird’s nests she was selling.

The total value of edible bird’s nests sold by Ouyang was $765. — The New Zealand Herald