Veterinary drug residues in EU food decline again - EFSA
The percentage of non-compliant samples in 2021 was 0.17%
28 February 2023
1 minute read
By: Residues of veterinary drugs and other substances found in animals and animal-derived food continue to decline in the European Union and compliance levels are on the rise, the latest data from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reveals.
EFSA’s annual report for 2021 includes data reported by Member States, Iceland and Norway. The number of tested samples slightly increased compared to 2020.
In 2021, the percentage of non-compliant samples was 0.17%, which is the lowest figure registered in the past 12 years when non-compliance ranged from 0.19% to 0.37%. The figure for 2020 was 0.19%.
The overall level of non-compliance in targeted samples, as in those taken to detect illegal uses or check non-compliance with the maximum permitted levels, also decreased to 0.24%, compared to 0.27%-0.35% over the previous four years.
The report covers various substance groups including hormones, antibacterials, environmental contaminants, prohibited substances and other veterinary drugs.
