Presents the conclusions of a Joint FAO/WHO expert committee convened to evaluate the safety of residues of selected veterinary drugs in food, to establish acceptable daily intakes for humans, and to recommend maximum residue limits that will protect the health of consumers. The report opens with an explanation of several principles and procedures followed when calculating acceptable daily intakes and establishing maximum residue limits. Because some of the drugs considered are tranquillizers used immediately prior to slaughter, the report draws attention to the risks to consumers posed by drugs still present in the animal at the time of slaughter and at a concentration compatible with a pharmacological effect. The main part of the report summarizes toxicological and residue data used to evaluate the safety of residues of ten veterinary drugs: one b-adrenoceptor-blocking agent (carazolol), three anthelminthics (febantel, fenbendazole, and oxfendazole), three antimicrobial agents (spiramycin, sulfadimidine, and tylosin), and three tranquillizers (azaperone, chlorpromazine, and propionylpromazine). For carazolol, which is primarily used in pigs to prevent sudden death due to stress during transport, the evaluation gave particular attention to possible pharmacological risks in groups of humans, such as people suffering from cardiac disease or asthma. For the three tranquillizers, the report noted that all have been inadequately studied in certain respects, all are often used in pigs shortly before slaughter, and all leave residues in edible tissues. On the basis of available data, the report advises against the use of these drugs for any purpose in the immediate pre-slaughter period.

eng fre rus spa.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

4