Drug and chemical residues in livestock

The problem of drug and chemical residues in foods of animal origin has become increasingly important to the entire livestock industry as growing consumer health concerns continue to erode the demand for these products. Although nearly 90 per cent of all drugs approved for use in livestock are available for over-the-counter sales, in the public's view, it is only the veterinarian who administers drugs to animals and who, therefore, is responsible for all drug residues in food. Congress has responded to these consumer concerns by applying increased pressure on the FDA to restrict the extra-label use of drugs by veterinarians. The veterinary profession now finds itself in a position in which it must reexamine its current drug-use policies and strive to develop policies that are more responsible to the consumer, both in appearance and substance.