Results of surveillance for veterinary drug residues in the UK

Out of 7,962 cattle, sheep and pig kidney samples analysed for the presence of antimicrobial compounds 7,960 were free of residues. The two positive samples 

Kidney samples from cattle (125), sheep (128) and pigs (940) were analysed for the presence of this group of veterinary drugs. No residues were detected in cattle or sheep kidney. Of the 940 samples of pig kidneys tested 20 samples (2.1%) were found to have detectable residues with residues in four (0.4%) samples exceeding (1,700 /xg/kg, 230 /xg/kg, 230 /xg/kg, and 180 /xg/kg the MRL of 100/xg/kg). 

Under Annex IV of EU Council Regulation 2377/90 no MRL can be assigned to this compound and as such marketing authorisation for this compound has been withdrawn. However, under Directive 70/524EEC the compound is authorised for use only in turkeys and guinea fowl. No residues of this compound were detected in the 125 pig kidney samples analysed. However, dimetridazole was detected in pig feed samples at concentrations of 110/xg/kg, 130/xg/kg, 1,300 /xg/kg and 2,200 /xg/kg. 

Liver samples from cattle (292) and pigs (394) were found to be free of any detectable residues of these compounds. Of the 529 sheep liver samples analysed only one was found to have detectable residues (3,500/xg/kg, albendazole) which are significantly above the MRL for this compound (1000/xg/kg). 

Out of 329 sheep liver samples tested only two were found to contain residues of monensin sodium (21 /xg/kg, and 40/xg/kg). No ADI or MRL has been set for this compound, but informed scientific opinion suggests that the residues present were about 300 times lower than the reported no-effect level observed in rat studies and would therefore not represent a significant hazard to the consumer. This compound was listed under Annex I of the EU Feed Additives Directive 70/ 524 and permitted for use as a feed additive until the recent amendment to the Directive under which such products are no longer licensed as veterinary medicines. 

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