RESIDUES IN MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS | Feed and Drug Residues

Chemical residues in meat are of public health concern. Such residues may originate from the exposure of the living animals to undesirable substances and contaminants in feed materials and residues of veterinary drugs, applied either directly to the animal or given with feed or drinking water. Food safety objectives aim to analyze this entire food chain, identify potential hazards, and introduce measures to prevent the exposure of consumers to harmful chemical substances. This article describes the scientific basis of an integrated food safety programme and provides, as an example, an overview of the results of the European Union residue control programmes.