AUSTRALIA – Bio-security officers have been instructed to inspect Katy Perry CDs that have been purchased overseas. The deluxe version of her new album PRISM contains a small packet of seeds which officials from the Department of Agriculture feel could pose a risk to Australia.
“Seeds or plant material of international origin may be a weed not present in Australia or the host of a plant pathogen of biosecurity concern,” a department spokesperson said.
The production company has assured the Department of Agriculture that the Australian release contains locally sourced seeds: harmless Swan River daisy seeds. But officials are still concerned about international versions: “The Australian Government has a strong system in place to detect and respond to material of bio-security concern. This includes the inspection of mail, cargo and baggage.”
A Department of Agriculture bio-security officer will inspect every international version to assess the level of risk. A spokesperson said, “Our biosecurity officers at international airports, seaports and mail centres assess the risks associated with various items every day and are well trained in making informed decisions about whether items could be of biosecurity concern.”
The seed paper is designed to be planted such that, like Katy, fans can “spread the light.”
Katy Perry’s album is currently number one on the ARIA chart.
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