❓ A parliamentary question regarding lead contamination in WA food products, recalls of contaminated items, the safety of quality control procedures in intensive livestock industries, and potential compensation for affected producers. The Minister acknowledges the issue and promises a detailed response after investigation.
AnsweredQoN 425Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRIES — LEAD CONTAMINATION
(1) Has there been any reported lead contamination in any food products in Western Australia since 2007? (2) Has there been any recall of lead-contaminated food products or zinc oxide or stock food pre-mixes or products containing any potential heavy metal contamination? (3) Can the minister assure the intensive livestock industries that their quality control procedures are safe and effective? (4) Will the minister support compensation for any food producer who is disadvantaged by any delayed detection or reaction caused by any government agency? Hon KIM CHANCE
(1) Has there been any reported lead contamination in any food products in Western Australia since 2007? (2) Has there been any recall of lead-contaminated food products or zinc oxide or stock food pre-mixes or products containing any potential heavy metal contamination? (3) Can the minister assure the intensive livestock industries that their quality control procedures are safe and effective? (4) Will the minister support compensation for any food producer who is disadvantaged by any delayed detection or reaction caused by any government agency? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
(2) Has there been any recall of lead-contaminated food products or zinc oxide or stock food pre-mixes or products containing any potential heavy metal contamination? (3) Can the minister assure the intensive livestock industries that their quality control procedures are safe and effective? (4) Will the minister support compensation for any food producer who is disadvantaged by any delayed detection or reaction caused by any government agency? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
(3) Can the minister assure the intensive livestock industries that their quality control procedures are safe and effective? (4) Will the minister support compensation for any food producer who is disadvantaged by any delayed detection or reaction caused by any government agency? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
(4) Will the minister support compensation for any food producer who is disadvantaged by any delayed detection or reaction caused by any government agency? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
(2) Has there been any recall of lead-contaminated food products or zinc oxide or stock food pre-mixes or products containing any potential heavy metal contamination? (3) Can the minister assure the intensive livestock industries that their quality control procedures are safe and effective? (4) Will the minister support compensation for any food producer who is disadvantaged by any delayed detection or reaction caused by any government agency? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
(3) Can the minister assure the intensive livestock industries that their quality control procedures are safe and effective? (4) Will the minister support compensation for any food producer who is disadvantaged by any delayed detection or reaction caused by any government agency? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
(4) Will the minister support compensation for any food producer who is disadvantaged by any delayed detection or reaction caused by any government agency? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
That was a question without notice. Perhaps I could give a better answer to a question of that nature if I had some notice. The second part of the question is appropriately addressed to me. The first part of the question would better be asked of the Minister for Health because heavy metals and residual levels fall within the old public health department’s role, not the Department of Agriculture and Food. However, the question that deals with stockfeeds is squarely within our area. Without Hon Anthony Fels doing any more, we will take his question away, consider it and reply to him personally after we have worked out which department has responsibility for which question. It is an important issue and we will deal with it seriously. Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
Hon Anthony Fels : Has there been a recall of any of those products? Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
Hon KIM CHANCE : I know exactly the issue that the member is referring to. I know that some products were required to be held and not sold. For me to take the next step and say that I know that they were recalled is probably going beyond the extent of the knowledge that I have. I know that there have been issues. I know there has been a traceback issue. In answer to the first part of the question, yes, there have been issues raised with heavy metals in pig carcasses, but I need to follow that through very carefully. For me to say something that I am not absolutely certain of could create more difficulties than it solves. If the member does not mind, we will take that question away, we will look at it very carefully and I will get back to him. I am quite happy to put the question on the public record but in the first instance, I will reply to the member.
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