LESS than half a per cent of all the meat, fish, eggs and dairy products tested in 2000 had any detectable residue of veterinary medicines, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) announced in its annual report.
The Annual Report on Surveillance for Veterinary Residues in 2000 covers statutory surveillance of residues of veterinary medicines in cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry, farmed fish, eggs and milk. It is complemented by a non-statutory programme covering processed foods from retail outlets throughout the UK and imported meat and meat products collected at Border Inspection Posts.
No detectable residues of veterinary medicinal products were found in milk, farmed trout and game, while between only 0.13pc and 0.37pc of red meat poultry meat, egg and farmed salmon samples contained such residues.
Residues of feed additives above the action level were found in 0.38pc of poultry meat and 0.97pc of egg samples respectively. The independent Veterinary Residues Committee is following up the issue of residues of nicarbazin and other feed additives in poultry.
One of the aims of the report is to increase public awareness of the rigorous system for the setting of Maximum Residues Limits (MRL) and Withdrawal Periods for veterinary medicines and of the VMD's surveillance programmes.
The report also provides information on substances other than veterinary medicines which are included in the surveillance programmes.
The report describes how all samples above the MRL or the action level are followed up. Under the VMD's statutory scheme, prosecution action will be taken where there are serious shortcomings or deliberate misuse. In all other cases the producer, dealer or slaughterhouse operator is advised on how to prevent residues and warned that a further contravention would be likely to lead to prosecution. Their animals are then targeted for further surveillance to ensure that any medicines are being administered properly.
VMD works closely with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) on developing the surveillance programmes and acting on the results. The FSA is pleased to note that the overall incidence of residues continues to be low, and welcomes the role of these programmes in highlighting issues.
Updated: 08:50 Thursday, July 26, 2001
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