Medicine residue figures low again

24 July 2000



Medicine residue figures low again

SURVEILLANCE for veterinary medicine residues in 1999 shows that 99.8% of samples of animal products were clear.

This continues a trend of low incidence of residues which saw 99.6% samples clear in 1998, 99.5% in 1997 and 99.2% in 1996.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) — a division of MAFF — tested almost 36,000 food samples for various medicines and feed additives.

Its report covers statutory surveillance of residues in cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, poultry, farmed fish, eggs and poultry.

This is complemented by a non-statutory programme covering processed foods from UK retail outlets.

The VMD Annual Report on Surveillance for Veterinary Residues 1999, found trace of medicinal products in 0.05% of red meat samples.

No detectable traces were found in poultry, milk, farmed fish and eggs.

Residues of feed additives above the legal Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) were found in 0.6% of poultry and 0.4% of egg samples.

The Food Standards Agency said it was pleased at the continuing low incidence of residues from veterinary medicine products and feed additives.