New Veterinary Residues Committee report: good news on
veterinary residues
The independent Veterinary
Residues Committee report for 2002, published on 15 December, shows
that: ‘overall, the results of the National Surveillance Scheme indicate
that the UK authorised uses of veterinary medicinal products did not result
in results of human health concern.’
“Once again, there’s good news on veterinary residues on food. The report
is excellent and shows animal medicines are being used responsibly,” said
Phil Sketchley, NOAH chief executive. “There was a small increase in
residues above the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL), but the committee explained
that the results were not directly comparable to last year, because the
information gleaned in 2001 meant that in 2002 the sampling was concentrated
in those areas where problems were thought to be more likely to arise. This
means that the safety of people consuming livestock produce can more
effectively be ensured.”
This year, there were a small number of residues which merited further
consideration. For UK produce, the committee was able to lay out actions
that were being taken to ensure these did not recur. Work is also going on
to spread ‘best practice’ to avoid residues, particularly of feed additives,
which although posing no risk, nevertheless should not be there. It also
continues to be vital that imports are strictly monitored, so that the Food
Standards Agency (FSA) can operate the Europe-wide alert system if
potentially harmful residues are discovered.
“We welcome the fact that by publishing the results in this way, action
can be taken to stamp out those very few areas where misunderstanding occurs
or even misuse is taking place. Animal medicines need to satisfy very
stringent criteria on quality, efficacy and safety before they can be
allowed onto the market. NOAH, for example through the work of the
RUMA Alliance, supports
and welcomes moves to make sure they are used properly,” said Mr Sketchley.
18 December 2003
Notes for Editors
For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131,
or visit the NOAH website.
The National Office of Animal
Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies which
research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health
products. The association has 34 corporate members and 14 associate
members. In 2002 NOAH's members accounted for well over 90% of the £389
million UK animal health market
•The Veterinary Residues Committee
annual report can be viewed on the VRC's website
http://www.vet-residues-committee.gov.uk. The full set of results of
analyses undertaken can also be viewed on the VRC's or Veterinary Medicine
Directorate's website,
http://www.vmd.gov.uk.
NOAH is a member of the RUMA
(Responsible Use of Medicines in Agriculture) Alliance. RUMA was
established in November 1997 to promote the highest standards of food
safety, animal health and animal welfare in British livestock farming. A
unique initiative involving organisations representing every stage of the
"farm to fork" process, RUMA aims to promote a co-ordinated and integrated
approach to best practice. For more information see
www.ruma.org.uk.
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