Customers who purchased a popular brand of nappy pants sold at a major Australian retailer have been issued a warning after the Khapra beetle was detected inside them.

The beetle, which is considered a dangerous pest in Australia, was detected in Little One’s Ultra Dry Nappy Pants – Walker Size 5 (42 pack), which is sold at Woolworths.

The Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) issued the warning after larvae of the beetle were found in the nappy pants.

It is imported from overseas, and the presence of the Khapra beetle was first detected in New South Wales on September 7.

DAFF said in a statement yesterday that no other nappy sizes or brands were impacted at this time.

The Khapra beetle is not native to Australia, and can pose a threat to Australia’s grain and plant industries, as the beetles feed on grain.

If it comes into contact with human skin, it can cause some skin irritation and be allergenic, but authorities confirm it does not pose a serious risk to human health.

DAFF said Woolworths has been working to take the affected nappy pants off the shelves in stores across the country and making sure subsequent importations of the product are tested and treated to remove the presence of the beetle.

Customers have been told not use the goods and not to dispose of the goods or their packaging.

Where possible, seal the goods and their packaging in a bag to prevent any pest spread.

A spokesperson from Woolworths confirmed DAFF has insisted customers are not to return the product to stores.

“This product is supplied to us through Ontex, who manufactures the products overseas and imports them to Australia,” the spokesperson added.

“As soon as we became aware we acted swiftly, according to directions from DAFF, to remove the product from sale, quarantine it and commenced an investigation with the DAFF and Ontex.”

Wooloworths also said any customers should direct further inquiries at DAFF.