Veterinary Drugs: How Much is Too Much to Leave in our Food Animals?
We should be concerned with what is in our food. And when it comes to meat and meat by-products, we are often concerned about the hormones and antibiotics that are given to animals, which we then go on to consume. But what about the residue limits from veterinary drugs that get administered to our food animals? Antibiotics, like amoxycillin, can be highly beneficial to both animals and humans in the treatment of bacterial infection, but there are profound, acute efficacy and personal health issues, alongside broader public health consequences, that have arisen due to the historical overuse of antibiotics in the production of animal-based, food protein. It is important to retain amoxycillin for valid, veterinary uses, but Canada also needs to regulate how much remains in our food animals after use to ensure Canadian and global public health goals.
As with food additives, adulterants and pesticides, Health Canada has set limits for veterinary drugs that remain in food animals. It publishes a list of the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) allowable, which ensures the safety of foods produced from food animals that have been treated with veterinary drugs, as well as assists in approving veterinary drugs through scientific reviews. The list also sets the legal and allowable standards for which the meat industry must adhere to.
Health Canada, and specifically the Veterinary Drugs Directorate, would like to update their list, though. They would also like to establish new MRLs for veterinary drugs. This helps keep the list current and reflective of the public’s wishes for food safety. From October 13th to December 27th, Health Canada is seeking comments on their proposal to amend the MRLs. Anyone from the general public to veterinary associations to food animal producers may submit commentary related to the scientific and safety issues of the proposed MRLs. Following the consultation period, Health Canada will address any concerns that have been raised, and then amend the MRLs, as necessary.
If you wish to submit your comments to Health Canada, email them at vdd.HSD-DIH.dmv@hc-sc.gc.ca. This is your chance to have a voice in the safety standards of our meat industry. And for Health Canada’s consultation notice, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/consultations/consultation-amend-list-maximum-residue-limits-veterinary-drugs-foods-2021-1.html for more information.