Impact of residues of veterinary medicinal products in food of animal origin on public health safety in Poland in the years 2003-2017

Abstract

Monitoring the presence of residues of unauthorized substances, chemical and biological residues, medicinal products and radioactive contamination in food is an important element of the system for protection of consumers against hazardous foods. The aim of the study was to analyze the results of monitoring tests for the presence of antibiotics and chemotherapeutics affecting consumer safety in products of animal origin that were carried out in Poland in the years 2003-2017. The material for analysis were annual reports on the results of tests for the presence of prohibited substances, chemical and biological residues, medicinal products and radioactive contamination in food produced in Poland. Samples for testing were taken at random from food of animal origin produced on farms under the supervision of the Veterinary Inspectorate. The reports present data on monitoring tests carried out in the years 2003-2017. The analysis was based on the results for B1 substances, which include antibacterial substances, antibiotics and chemotherapeutics approved for use in food-producing animals. The results from the last two years of research were analyzed in detail, including the results for prohibited substances with antibacterial action from group A6 (prohibited substances) and, in the case of poultry, for coccidiostats (group B2b).The results of the monitoring studies in Poland indicate that both veterinarians and animal breeders were aware that the proper use of chemotherapeutics and compliance with waiting periods are necessary to ensure food safety. Samples that exceeded the standards represented less than 0.3% of all samples tested in all types of food. According to the results of these studies, antibiotic residues were most frequently found in honey.