Main description:

This report reviews the causes of veterinary drug carryover in animal feed and the transfer from feed to food, as well as known risks to human health and international trade, and suggests appropriate risk management strategies. The report is the result of an FAO/WHO Expert Meeting organized at the request of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods. Carryover of veterinary drugs in feed can occur during feed processing, handling, transportation and delivery, as well as when feeding animals on-farm. It can cause adverse health effects both in animals and/or in humans consuming food originating from these animals. The publication recommends increasing awareness by providing easily accessible information about possible implications for carryover from the use of authorized veterinary drugs, notably as part of a structured training programme for all competent authorities, professionals and workers. It also calls for monitoring and control of raw feed ingredients that could be implicated in the transfer of veterinary drugs from feed to food.