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Residue Sampling

Legislation

Legislation requires the analyses of samples from food producing animals for residues of authorised veterinary medicines, prohibited substances and various contaminants. This requires an annual surveillance plan which is operated by DEFA and results are sent to the EU yearly to enable us to continue to trade in certain animal related products.

The relevant legislation is:

The programme covers

  • red meat (ovine, bovine and porcine)
  • farmed fish
  • honey
  • milk

Substances to be tested

These are as set out for each species in Annexes I and II of Council Directive 96/23/EC.

The annual plan for testing of samples which runs from January to December is discussed with the laboratories and experts in the UK government to ensure complies with the legislation.

Samples are collected by

  • The Official Veterinarian at the meat plant.
  • DEFA officers collect samples from live animals, animal feed, fish, honey and milk on farms

Sample analysis is done by

  • Fera Science Ltd who analyse the honey and fish samples in Great Britain
  • Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) who analyse the samples meat, feed, blood and milk samples in Northern Ireland

Non-compliant samples

When a sample is found to contain an unacceptable residue an investigation is carried out at the farm of origin to establish the cause.

For minor breaches of legislation the farmer and if appropriate, their vet will be given advice to help and avoid this happening again.

More samples may be taken if there are concerns about the residue’s status of the animals, and movement restrictions on the animals may be imposed.

However, DEFA may take further action in serious cases which may lead to disposal of stock and prosecution.

Results

The results of the surveillance programme and a summary of non-compliant results and follow up investigation are published (please see drop down on the left hand side).

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