Evaluation of certain veterinary drug residues in food.

This report presents the conclusions of a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee convened to evaluate the safety of residues of certain veterinary drugs and to recommend maximum levels for such residues. The first part of the report considers an approach to assessing the safety of antimicrobial drug residues and their effects on the human intestinal microflora and general issues relating to the recommendation of Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for veterinary drug residues in food. A summary follows of the Committee's evaluations of toxicological and residue data on a variety of veterinary drugs: one beta-adrenoceptor-blocking agent (carazolol), one anthelminthic agent (doramectin), four antimicrobial agents (dihydrostreptomycin, streptomycin, neomycin and thiamphenicol), two insecticides (deltamethrin and phoxim), four production aids (estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, testosterone and porcine somatotropins) and one tranquillizing agent (azaperone). Annexed to the report are a summary of the Committee's recommendations on these drugs, including Acceptable Daily Intakes and MRLs, and other information required.