LIVESTOCK producers are reminded to ensure horticultural byproducts fed to their animals are fit for purpose.
They must be free from unacceptable chemical residues.
The Department of Primary Industries said horticultural byproducts used as stock feeds could jeopardise livestock markets if they were contaminated with chemicals not intended for livestock consumption.
Byproducts may be in the form of failed crops or result from the harvesting and processing of a crop.
Some common byproducts used as stock feeds include grape marc, grape seed meal, tomato pomace, vegetable leaves, almond hulls and citrus pulp.
DPI chemical standards officer Alex Perera said before feeding byproducts to livestock, growers needed to check which chemicals had been applied.
The DPI said it was an offence in Victoria to sell agricultural produce and byproducts if the withholding period has not expired, unless sellers notify the buyer in writing.
Sellers not complying may be fined up to $14,084.
