Which records should be kept to ensure there is no drug residue in meat?

Keeping accurate records of medication used, the use of medicated feed, and the withdrawal period is crucial for ensuring that there is no drug residue in meat. This practice is vital in animal husbandry, as it directly impacts food safety and public health.

When animals are treated with pharmaceuticals, there are specific withdrawal times that need to be observed before the animal is processed for meat. These withdrawal periods are established to ensure that any residues from the medication have sufficiently cleared the animal’s system, thus minimizing the risk of drug residues entering the human food supply. If the records indicate that these periods were not respected, it could lead to violative residues in the meat, which poses a risk to consumer safety.

In contrast, while daily weather conditions, the quantity of livestock fed, and veterinary consultations may be relevant for overall farm management or health assessments, they do not directly address the critical issue of drug residue control in the meat processing chain. Keeping detailed medication records, therefore, is essential for compliance with regulations and for maintaining the integrity of the food supply.