Pharmaceutical Legislation - Food-Producing species: Withdrawal periods

Why are withdrawal periods important and why must they be adhered to by veterinary surgeons, SQPs, farmers and professional animal keepers?

The major difference in regulations for food-producing animals relates to the potential for medicine residues in food. As this is a safety concern for humans, they are subject to increased requirements when licensed and prescribed.

What it is an offence to do if the withdrawal period hasn’t been surpassed?

It is an offence to sell or supply for slaughter any animal for human consumption, if the withdrawal period of an animal medicine that has been administered to the animal has not expired.

Residues of animal medicines definition

These are pharmacologically active substances and their metabolites, which remain in foodstuffs obtained from animals that have been administered the animal medicine in question 

What is the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL)? 

Maximum concentration of residue resulting from administration of an animal medicines which is legally permitted in the Community or recognised as acceptable or on a food 

What is a withdrawal period?

The time between the last given does to the animal and the time when the level of residues in the tissues or products is lower than or equal to the MRL