Veterinary drug residue compliance rates remain 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 2020 and is underpinned by information available on the Knowledge Junction, the EFSA’s open repository.

The percentage of samples that exceeded maximum levels was 0.19% and this is the lowest figure in 11 years, when non-compliance ranged from 0.25% to 0.37%. The figure for 2019 was 0.30%.

Compared to the previous three years, 2020 saw a rise in compliancy rates for antithyroid agents, steroids and resorcylic acid lactones. Rises in compliance were also noted for anthelmintics, organochlorine compounds, organophosphorus compounds, dyes and other substances, again in comparison with the previous three years.

Source: EFSA, 25 February 2022