Problems associated with drug residues in beef from feeds and therapy

Drug residues in beef have been reported internationally. These include antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, growth promotants, parasiticides and insecticides. The main factors associated with residues are animal age and use, and failure to observe withdrawal time for regular or extra-label use. Public health concerns include toxic and anaphylactic reactions, and development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria. The maximum residue level (MRL) is the current standard for residues in food adopted by the Codex Committees of the Food and Agriculture Organisation and World Health Organisation, but is not universally accepted or standardised. Detection of residues at slaughter is a critical point in residue control. Several live animal tests are available, but these vary in reliability and usage. After slaughter, tissues sampled and tests used are more uniform. To prevent international trade barriers associated with drug residues in beef, the following conditions should be implemented: standardisation of testing methods used to detect drug residues; standardisation of methods for determining MRLs; establishment of active surveillance programmes to monitor residues.