Residue evaluation of certain veterinary drugs

This meeting reviewed data from residue depletion studies of ractopamine hydrochloride (a beta agonist added to feed to promote lean muscle growth) in pig tissues, including data from three breeds of pigs in studies undertaken by the People's Republic of China. The Committee concluded that the maximum residue limits (MRLs) previously recommended were compliant with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) as regards consumption of pig tissues of muscle, liver, kidney and fat. Substituting specific organ tissue data for liver and kidney would result in dietary intakes that were still below the upper bound of the ADI, with the exception of lung tissue. However, dietary information on consumption of offal and other organ tissues such as lung were lacking and further work should be undertaken to address this issue.--Publisher's description