IMPORTED LIVESTOCK (Free from harmful chemical and biological promotants)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Chin Harn Tong asked the Minister for National Development, in view of the increasing use of growth promotants in livestock production, what steps are being taken by his Ministry to ensure that the imported livestock are free from dangerous chemical and biological promotants.

The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Dr Lee Boon Yang) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Primary Production Department carries out regular checks to ensure that imported livestock and meat are free from harmful chemical and drug residues. The checking system involves first approving overseas farms and meat processing plants for exporting livestock and meat to Singapore. This is followed by inspections at the point of import in Singapore, using sampling methods.

Overseas farms accredited for export of live animals to Singapore are allowed to use only approved drugs and chemicals. These must be used according to procedures recommended by veterinarians and manufacturers.

When imported livestock are slaughtered in our abattoirs, samples are taken for laboratory tests. Samples of imported frozen and chilled meat are also taken at point of entry for testing. The Primary Production Department keeps the test records of individual overseas farms and meat processing plants for monitoring.

Sir, the present system does not apply to live poultry from Malaysia. The Primary Production Department is aware of the dangers to consumers arising from increasing and improper use of chemicals and drugs in modern poultry farms. It is working closely with the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services to develop an accreditation scheme for poultry farms in Malaysia. This will enable PPD to inspect farms which export eggs and live poultry to Singapore to ensure that these products are safe for our consumers.