USDA Announces Expanded Testing for Illegal Drug Residues in Meat

Through its National Residue Program (NRP), FSIS tests for the presence of chemical compounds, including approved and unapproved veterinary drugs, pesticides, hormones and environmental contaminants that may appear in meat, poultry and egg products. The FSIS said the new methods will conserve resources and provide reliable results.

 

One of the multi-residue methods being implemented for veterinary drugs will allow the Agency to screen for chemical compounds that include several types of legal and illegal drugs such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and growth promoters. Under the new system, one sample may be tested for as many as 55 pesticide chemicals, nine kinds of antibiotics, various metals, and eventually more than 50 other chemicals, according to the FSIS. 

 

FSIS is also increasing the annual number of samples per slaughter class from 300 to 800. If an establishment has samples containing illegal residue levels, FSIS will notify the Food and Drug Administration. 

 

“The new testing methods being announced today will help protect consumers from illegal drug residues in meat products,” said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Elisabeth Hagen. “By allowing us to test for more chemical compounds from each sample, these changes will enable USDA to identify and evaluate illegal drug residues more effectively and efficiently.”

 

FSIS is encouraging comments on today’s announcement at www.regulations.gov. The new testing regimen is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on July 6, and is expected to take effect 30 days after the Federal register notice.