July 25, 2012
Canada''s meat exports face tough US residue test
Much tougher testing for residues of pesticides, medications and growth promotants are being faced by the Canadian meat exports to the US.
The USDA has begun to use tests that can detect residues of a broad range of substances from a single sample. This contrasts with the old approach which involved a different test and sample for each substance.
The agency will also increase the number of samples it tests of red meats, poultry and eggs.
"The new testing methods being announced Wednesday (July 4) will help protect consumers from illegal drug residues in meat products," USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Elisabeth Hagen said.
"By allowing us to test for more chemical compounds from each sample, these changes will enable USDA to identify and evaluate illegal drug residues more effectively and efficiently."
One of the multi-residue methods being implemented for veterinary drugs will allow the agency to screen for chemical compounds that include several types of legal and illegal drugs such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and growth promoters.
A single sample may be used to test for as many as 55 pesticide chemicals, nine kinds of antibiotics, various metals, and eventually more than 50 other chemicals.
In all, FSIS will assess more compounds per sample using several multi-residue methods.