Presents the conclusions of an expert committee commissioned to evaluate the safety of residues of selected veterinary drugs used in food-producing animals, to establish acceptable daily intakes for humans, and to recommend maximum residue limits. On the basis of a rigorous review of all available safety and residue data, the committee establishes international standards intended to promote food safety and facilitate the harmonization of international trade in animal products. The report has two parts. The first explains several methodological issues that are specific to the safety assessment of veterinary drug residues in food. Noting problems posed by the inadequacy of data on veterinary drugs with a long history of use, the report establishes general principles of evaluation and requirements for toxicological data needed to ensure that the safety of these older products is established according to rigorous contemporary standards. The second and most extensive part provides succinct summaries of the toxicological data examined and factors considered when evaluating each substance, identifying any potential hazards to consumer health, and allocating an acceptable daily intake and maximum residue limit. Veterinary drugs considered include five anthelminthics (closantel, flubendazole, ivermectin, tiabendazole, and triclabendazole), two antimicrobial agents (furazolidone and nitrofural), two production aids (bovine somatotropins and ractopamine), and a trypanocide (isometamidium). Acceptable daily intakes and maximum residue limits were established for seven of these drugs. For the remaining substances, the report identifies deficiencies in the available data and specifies the further information required for a re-evaluation.

eng fre rus spa.

WHODOC

WHO monograph

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