October 20, 2015

EU sets limits to antibiotic residue in poultry meat

The European Commission has established maximum residue limits (MRLs) for virginiamycin, recognising the safety of meat from poultry that has been treated with up to four times the 20 g per tonne inclusion level typically used in international markets.

Phibro Animal Health Corp who made the announcement said it has conducted extensive studies to support the establishment of the MRLs, which are used to ensure that no unsafe residue is allowed in meat for human consumption.

"These standards represent a significant step forward by adding another safeguard for consumers and removing any concern for producers that the use of virginiamycin-based animal medicines could limit export options to the European Union," said Larry Miller, Phibro president, Animal Health. "Safety is our top priority, and virginiamycin has a track record of safety that spans more than four decades."

Virginiamycin is registered for use in 32 countries. It has been an effective in preventing animal disease for more than 40 years in the United States and for 35 years in Brazil.

The European Commission published the MRLs for virginiamycin on September 3, 2015, and the regulation is effective 60 days after publication.