Australian meat exports ‘under threat’

Press, 26 June 1987, Page 5

Australian meat exports ‘under threat’

NZPA-AAP Canberra Australia’s Minister of Primary Industry, Mr John Kerin, has written to cattle and sheep farmers warning them that meat exports are being threat-, ened by the careless use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. Mr Kerin said that he was writing to as many

livestock producers ‘as possible to impress upon them the consequence of the careless use of chemicals.

“The prevention of residue problems lies with farmers and others involved with the use of these products,” Mr Kerin said.

“This is especially the case where agricultural chemicals and veterinary drugs are not used according to label instructions, and withholding periods are not observed.” In addition to the letter, posters reinforcing’ the message . would be displayed at stock and station agents’, post offices and farmer meeting places. In his letter to the producers, Mr Kerin said the domestic and international reputation of Australian meat as being a healthy product free of agricultural and veterinary chemical residues was being jeopardised by some careless and irresponsible people. “Unacceptable residues have been found in a few samples of our meat. The

Government has acted decisively but the problem cannot be solved without your co-operation. The time for action is now,” Mr Kerin’s letter said.

Mr Kerin told the producers the most commonly detected residues were the organochlorines such as diesldrin, D.D.T., and heptachlor. There were also problems arising from anti-bacterial drugs such as sulphonamides and antibiotics.

"Actions which everyone can take include ensuring that feeding rations are not contaminated with pesticides and that cattle do not graze in orchards or other areas treated with organochlorines to control insects,” he said. Mr Kerin said Federal and State Governments had already increased sampling for residue detection at abattoirs; set up industry task forces on sampling, legislation and traceback; introduced a test and hold programme for all meat packed before the recent residue discoveries; retained product in all cases where residues have been dis-

covered; developed traceback and quarantine procedures between abattoir and farm and ensured that Australian product being landed in the United States was subject to comprehensive testing. These measures had been supplemented by decisions on June 5 to: Accelerate the implementation of a ban by the States on D.D.T. uses; Implement a mandatory traceback for beef cattle, calves and pigs, with an investigation for sheep. Undertake an extension programme which highlights the risks of inappropriate use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. Mr Kerin said that in addition to these measurers action was being taken to ban the import of D.D.T. into Australia. “Only constant vigilance from all farmers can prevent Australia’s agricultural markets being threatened by the presence of even minute quantities of residues,” Mr Kerin told the farmers. “We must maintain theconfidence of domestic consumers and foreign importers in the absolute integrity of our product. “Our meat exports alone are worth nearly $A2 billion ($2.42 billion) a year to Australia. Any serious disruption of our markets would not only cause a severe national problem, but would completely destabilise our livestock industry.

“I cannot over-em-phasise the importance of immediate action,” the letter said.