asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the scale of illegal hormones in cattle discovered recently by officials in his Department; and if he will outline the action, if any, he intends taking to prevent further abuse in this area.
Written Answers. - Hormones in Cattle.
15.
A recent investigation revealed prima facie evidence of illegal implantation of hormones in a feed lot containing some 400 animals. Movement of the animals has been restricted and further inquiries are continuing.
My Department are actively involved in checking abuses in this area, by way of surveillance of the supply and use of the prohibited substances and by random sampling for drug residues at meat plants.