Aussie woman cops $2664 fine for failing to declare Subway sandwich

A young Aussie woman bought a Subway sandwich in Singapore and when she landed in Australia, she failed to do one very important thing.

An Aussie woman has revealed just how important it is to either declare, or toss out international food when landing in Australia after copping a hefty fine.

Taking to TikTok, Jessica Lee explained that she purchased a Subway foot-long in Singapore that “basically” cost her $2664 after she failed to declare two ingredients.

“It is my mistake but like, I bought a foot-long Subway at Singapore airport because I was a hungry girl after my 11 hour flight,” she begins.

A young Aussie woman revealed the fine she copped for failing to declare two specific ingredients in her Subway sandwich when she landed in Australia.

Jessica Lee bought the sandwich from Singapore Airport but copped a $2664 fine for failing to declare it when she arrived in Australia.

“I ate six inches before my second flight and then saved the other six inches for the flight which they’re more than happy with.”

However, Jessica didn’t end up eating the rest of her sandwich and didn’t think the declaration form applied to pre-purchased food that wasn’t in her luggage.

“I thought the little declaration thing you do is for your carry-ons and your luggage, so I didn’t tick chicken and I didn’t tick lettuce. Chicken and lettuce!”

Jessica then held up a form pointing at the hefty fine she copped.

She said it was her mistake, adding she thought the declaration form applied only to carry-on and checked-in luggage.

However, it was not the case.

“That is a nice little $2664 to be paid in 28 days.”

The young woman said she had quit her job before going on her trip and also has rent to pay with the fine putting her in a tough position.

In the comments section a TikTok user said international travellers are sometimes let off with a warning.

Jessica responded saying she was told by staff it’s due to a language barrier.

“But because I speak perfect English I can get the fine,” she added.

Infringements up to $2664 can be issued for breaches of the Biosecurity Act by travellers who fail to declare or make false declarations, according to a departmental spokesperson.

A Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry spokesperson told news.com.au infringements up to $2664 can be issued for breaches of the Biosecurity Act by travellers who fail to declare or make false declarations.

“All meat products and vegetables must be declared on the Incoming Passenger Card. This is a legal declaration,” the departmental spokesperson said.

International passengers are played a biosecurity message via video or audio that explains you will be penalised if you declare certain foods and ingredients.

Even if they are not allowed in Australia – but it must be declared or disposed to avoid fines.

“All airlines play mandatory biosecurity messaging (video/audio) in flight at top of descent (ie. just prior to landing – not mid-flight when passengers might be sleeping) highlighting things of biosecurity risk, and the need to declare food and ingredients, and to leave all food on-board.”

The spokesperson said the arrivals area of airports have similar messaging (electronic, posters) reinforcing the message to declare or to dispose of food in biosecurity bins.

Jessica, who is a content creator, warned her TikTok followers to be careful when travelling into Australia.

“Don’t copy my expensive mistakes,” she told them.