Consumer protection boss Rod Sims says the recall of imported frozen berries potentially contaminated with Hepatitis A is a reminder that importers must ensure cheap products are safe.
"By all means import the cheapest goods you can, that's fantastic for consumers but the more you're doing that, make sure the goods are safe," Mr Sims, chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, said on Thursday.
Speaking at a Sydney business lunch, Mr Sims said companies wanting to buy cheaply overseas were responsible for what they brought into the country.
"The less expensive the thing you buy, the more you need to check that you've got the processes in place to make sure that it is safe," Mr Sims said.
"Because if you don't, you will be subject to a very expensive recall, reputation issues and potential legal challenge."
Nationwide recalls of frozen mixed berries sold under the Nanna's and Creative Gourmet brands have been implemented since last Friday, after berries packed in China were linked to 13 cases of Hepatitis A in Australia.
The ACCC also has a case against Woolworths before the courts at present alleging misleading and deceptive conduct by the supermarket giant over the safety of products, including a deep fryer, sold under its home brand label.
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