In a statement on Sunday, Mr Brown said claims that it had been proven the disease came from waste from a Chinese restaurant were untrue. I absolutely deplore the scapegoating of the Chinese community Nick Brown Agriculture Minister His comments follow a meeting with Chinese community leaders earlier this month. I absolutely deplore the scapegoating of the Chinese community. There is absolutely no justification for this. I, and the government, stand shoulder to shoulder with the Chinese community against racism.
Investigations continue The minister said investigations into the source of the disease continued.
He said he had never made the link between the outbreak and Chinese restaurants. Nor was he aware of any Ministry of Agriculture official making such a claim. This outbreak has caused great suffering and anguish, and what we need to do is work together to defeat the disease.