Veterinary drug residues in animals and foods remain low
Levels of residues from veterinary drugs and other substances found in animals and animal-derived food remain low in the European Union, according to the latest report from EFSA.
The report looks at variety of substance groups, including hormones, antibacterials, environmental contaminants, prohibited substances, and other veterinary drugs. EFSA’s annual report for 2022 includes data reported by Member States[1], Iceland and Norway.
In 2022, the percentage of non-compliant samples was 0.18%, which is comparable to the previous 13 years when non-compliance ranged from 0.17% to 0.37%. The figure for 2021 was 0.17%.
The overall level of non-compliance in targeted samples (i.e., those taken to detect illegal use or check non-compliance with the maximum permitted levels) was 0.27% which is comparable to the previous four years (0.24%-0.35%) and slightly higher than in 2021 (0.24%).
Explore the results in greater detail using our interactive dashboard.
The comprehensive dataset for the report, totalling approximately 13 million analytical results, will soon be made available through the EFSA Knowledge Junction. This open repository is designed to enhance transparency, reproducibility, and the usability of evidence in food and feed safety risk assessments.
[1] In accordance with the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 5(4) of the Windsor Framework (see Joint Declaration No 1/2023 of the Union and the United Kingdom in the Joint Committee established by the Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community of 24 March 2023, OJ L 102, 17.4.2023, p.87) in conjunction with section 24 of Annex 2 to that Framework, for the purposes of this Regulation, references to Member States include the United Kingdom in respect of Northern Ireland.
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