Codex committee on veterinary drug residues

Abstract

There has been widespread international concern over residues of veterinary drugs in food. However, until recently, there was little international cooperation in trying to find solutions to the problem. Many nations have taken steps to control the increased use of veterinary drugs, but the rules governing their use vary widely from country to country. Sharing of scientific expertise and other resources between countries would markedly improve this situation. With the need for international cooperation mounting, concerned drug regulators from 20 countries met in 1982 and again in 1984 to discuss international use of veterinary drugs. The group repeatedly called for a Codex committee on veterinary drug residues. At its 1983 meeting in Rome the Codex Alimentarius Commission convened an Expert Consultation to consider the need for a new committee. That international group of experts strongly agreed that a standing committee under the sponsorship of the commission should be established. In July of 1985, the commission unanimously voted to establish a new Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food. The United States was chosen as host country. The committee will work closely with several existing Codex committees, but it has a clear mandate of its own. Its responsibilities will include establishing a list of priority drugs for review, recommending maximum residue levels, developing codes of practice, and reviewing analytical methods used to control veterinary drug residues. This fall, a new Codex committee has met for the first time—the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food. This is an important addition to the Codex Alimentarius Commission, helping it meet the dual challenges of keeping food safe worldwide and promoting international trade. Government regulators around the world have become increasingly concerned about residues of veterinary drugs in food. In addition, consumers in many countries have, through various means, expressed their sincere desire for a chemical-free meat supply. American consumers have been forthright in letting their regulators know how they feel about drug residues in meat. There also continues to be general public concern over the potential for developing antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria because of antibiotic use in animals.