Pharmacological active substances in animal products

Residues of animal treatment agents.

Hormones and/or pharmacologically active substances can provide increased meat production and a more favourable meat-to-fat ratio in livestock. The use of growth promoters (growth hormones) is prohibited in the Netherlands (and Europe). Additionally, our food must be free from any remnants of non-approved animal treatment substances, such as nitrofurans, malachite green, and chloramphenicol. The EU has implemented regulations outlining the permissible substances, encompassing antibiotics and painkillers, which stipulate the highest admissible levels of residues in food.

Within the EU, this legislation is strictly monitored: products such as meat, milk and eggs are all tested for these substances. To identify the presence of banned substances like anabolic steroids, beta-agonists, and thyreostatics, diverse samples, such as urine, faeces, hair, serum, and swabs, undergo testing. Typically, these samples are gathered on the farm to detect any use of such substances at an early stage.

National Reference Laboratory

WFSR's NRL package includes Group A and B substances (see below). WFSR is an expert in analysing residues of these substances, both with instrumental methods and biosensors and tests applicable on-site. WFSR works closely with reference laboratories of the European Union and takes initiatives such as organising proficiency testing to improve the quality of analytical methods. Furthermore, WFSR offers technical and scientific assistance to the competent authority.

Groep A – Prohibited or unauthorised pharmacologically active substances in food-producing animals.

1. Substances with hormonal and thyrostatic action and beta-agonists the use of which is prohibited under Council Directive 96/22/EC:
   1. stilbenes
   2. antithyroid agents
   3. steroids
   4. resorcylic acid lactones, including zeranol
   5. beta-agonists
2. Prohibited substances listed in Table 2 of the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 37/2010:
   1. chloramphenicol
   2. nitrofurans
   3. dimetridazole, metronidazole, ronizadole and other nitro-imidazoles
   4. other substances
3. Pharmacologically active substances, not listed in Table 1 of the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 37/2010(2)or substances not authorised for use in feed for food-producing animals in the Union according to Regulation (EU) No 1831/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council:
   1. dyes
   2. plant protection products as defined in Regulation (EU) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council(4)and biocides as defined in Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council(5)which may be used in animal husbandry of food-producing animals
   3. antimicrobial substances
   4. coccidiostats, histomonostats and other antiparasitic agents
   5. protein and peptide hormones
   6. anti-inflammatory substances, sedatives and any other pharmacologically active substances
   7. antiviral substances

Groep B – – Pharmacologically active substances authorised for use in food-producing animals.

1. Pharmacologically active substances listed in Table 1 of the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 37/2010:
   1. antimicrobial substances
   2. insecticides, fungicides, anthelmintics and other antiparasitic agents
   3. sedatives
   4. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and glucocorticoids
   5. Other pharmacologically active substances
2. Coccidiostats and histomonostats authorised according to Union legislation, for which maximum levels and maximum residue limits are set under Union legislation.