Hypersensitivity in humans and exposure to veterinary drugs

There is a small but unquantifiable risk that residues of hypersensitivity-inducing drugs may elicit hypersensitivity reactions in human consumers of food of animal origin. The levels present are unlikely to be sufficient to cause initial sensitization, and this is most likely to occur by therapeutic use in man. However, these levels may occasionally elicit hypersensitivity reactions in previously sensitized patients. The available data suggests that the incidences of such reactions are exceedingly low and the risk can be minimised by the careful use and observance of withdrawal periods. Occupational exposure may present a higher, but again unquantifiable risk which may also be reduced by the production of low-dusting formulations, by the observance of precautionary phrases, and by the use of suitable protective clothing.