Veterinary drug residue compliance remains high

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reports that monitoring data on the presence of residues of veterinary medicines and contaminants in animals and animal-derived food show high rates of compliance with recommended safety levels in the EU. The report summarises monitoring data collected in 2019 and is underpinned by information available on the Knowledge Junction, the EFSA’s open repository.

The percentage of samples that exceeded maximum levels was 0.32%. This figure is within the range of 0.25%-0.37% reported over the previous ten years. A total of 671,642 samples were checked by EU member states, Iceland and Norway.

Compared to the previous two years, non-compliance increased slightly for antithyroid agents and steroids. Small decreases were noted for resorcylic acid lactones, prohibited substances, antibacterials, anticoccidials, and dyes.

Source: EFSA, 24 March 2021