❓ A parliamentary question regarding elevated lead levels in pig offal, tracing the contamination source to zinc oxide in pig feed, and the involvement of government departments in addressing the issue.
AnsweredQoN 463Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
PIG STOCKFEED — ZINC OXIDE CONTAMINATION
(1) When did the minister first become aware of the detection of elevated lead levels in pig offal? (2) Approximately when did the Department of Agriculture and Food first become aware of the elevated lead issue? (3) How long did it take to track the cause to the use of contaminated zinc oxide in pig feed? (4) Was the department involved in any product recall of zinc oxide or other products containing zinc oxide used as a stockfeed additive; and, if so, what action was taken? (5) Was there a delay in advising the Department of Health, and if so why? Hon KIM CHANCE
(1) When did the minister first become aware of the detection of elevated lead levels in pig offal? (2) Approximately when did the Department of Agriculture and Food first become aware of the elevated lead issue? (3) How long did it take to track the cause to the use of contaminated zinc oxide in pig feed? (4) Was the department involved in any product recall of zinc oxide or other products containing zinc oxide used as a stockfeed additive; and, if so, what action was taken? (5) Was there a delay in advising the Department of Health, and if so why? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(2) Approximately when did the Department of Agriculture and Food first become aware of the elevated lead issue? (3) How long did it take to track the cause to the use of contaminated zinc oxide in pig feed? (4) Was the department involved in any product recall of zinc oxide or other products containing zinc oxide used as a stockfeed additive; and, if so, what action was taken? (5) Was there a delay in advising the Department of Health, and if so why? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(3) How long did it take to track the cause to the use of contaminated zinc oxide in pig feed? (4) Was the department involved in any product recall of zinc oxide or other products containing zinc oxide used as a stockfeed additive; and, if so, what action was taken? (5) Was there a delay in advising the Department of Health, and if so why? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(4) Was the department involved in any product recall of zinc oxide or other products containing zinc oxide used as a stockfeed additive; and, if so, what action was taken? (5) Was there a delay in advising the Department of Health, and if so why? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(5) Was there a delay in advising the Department of Health, and if so why? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(2) Approximately when did the Department of Agriculture and Food first become aware of the elevated lead issue? (3) How long did it take to track the cause to the use of contaminated zinc oxide in pig feed? (4) Was the department involved in any product recall of zinc oxide or other products containing zinc oxide used as a stockfeed additive; and, if so, what action was taken? (5) Was there a delay in advising the Department of Health, and if so why? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(3) How long did it take to track the cause to the use of contaminated zinc oxide in pig feed? (4) Was the department involved in any product recall of zinc oxide or other products containing zinc oxide used as a stockfeed additive; and, if so, what action was taken? (5) Was there a delay in advising the Department of Health, and if so why? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(4) Was the department involved in any product recall of zinc oxide or other products containing zinc oxide used as a stockfeed additive; and, if so, what action was taken? (5) Was there a delay in advising the Department of Health, and if so why? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(5) Was there a delay in advising the Department of Health, and if so why? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
I acknowledge that Hon Anthony Fels gave me a copy of this question just prior to question time, and I have been trying to get advice because it relates to dates and a sequence of events. Unfortunately, that advice has not come back to me in time, but I will provide the honourable member with those more accurate figures later today. However, it is a reasonable question to ask me without notice and I will do my best to answer it. (1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(1) I think it would have been late April when I became aware—so about two and a half to three weeks ago. It could have been a little longer than that, but I think it is safe to say late April. (2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(2) I think the Department of Agriculture and Food became aware in late February at least of the violative and non-violative levels of heavy metals in livers, which were picked up through the national residue survey. (3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(3) I think it was very soon after the confirmation of the multiple sources of offal with a lead trace. It followed shortly after, because first there was the confirmation of multiple sources, and that gave the indication that it could be a feed-source issue. (4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(4) I think this question about the withdrawal of the product was actually answered by Hon Sue Ellery yesterday. I think it was the Department of Health that issued the order for the product recall. Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
Hon Anthony Fels : No, I think the answer was that it didn’t. Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
Hon Sue Ellery interjected. The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
The PRESIDENT : Order, members! This is question time, not a debate at large. Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
Hon KIM CHANCE : I am sorry, Mr President. I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
I will be able to confirm that later today, but I thought it was the Department of Health. In answer to the last part of the question — (5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
(5) I do not think there was a delay in advising the Department of Health. No, I do not think so. Indeed, I think the health department would have been advised by the national residue survey at the same time as the Department of Agriculture and Food was advised; but, again, I can confirm that with better information on that matter.
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