May 25, 2007

Australia to phase out animal drug due to food safety considerations

Australia said it is phasing out the use of dimetridazole, a veterinary product, on its food animals due to food safety considerations.

Dimetridazole is used for treating and preventing blackhead ¨C a protozoan disease - in breeding flocks of poultry and for preventing dysentery in pigs

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) found that the chemical is also a potential carcinogen and that its use poses a threat to both workers and consumers.

The agency intends to cancel the registrations and label approvals for dimetridazole products used in pigs, chickens and turkeys destined for human consumption and phase out the chemical in two years. It would also issue new instructions on how the chemical should be handled during the interim period.

Currently, six products in Australia containing dimetridazole are registered for use.

Registrations of the products used on birds not destined for human consumption would be allowed to continue but with amended labels, the agency said.

The final review report and regulatory decision is expected next month.