German Report: Last Year, Drug Residue Exceeded Limits in 0.08% of Animal-Derived Foods, Safety Alarm Sounds Again!

On October 7, 2024, the Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office (CVUA) of Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, officially published the 2023 detailed monitoring report on drug residues in foods of animal origin. The report is based on extensive and in-depth testing and analysis of various foods of animal origin conducted by the agency over the past year.

Specifically, during 2023, the CVUA conducted rigorous tests for pharmacologically active substances on more than 3,200 samples from slaughterhouses and producers. After careful analysis, they found that 14 of the samples contained residual substances, which is about 0.4 percent. In addition, out of 21,000 slaughterhouse animal samples tested using inhibitor detection technology, they found antibiotic residues in 28 samples, or 0.13% of the total samples. Even more concerning, 16 of the samples containing antibiotic residues exceeded the maximum allowable level, accounting for 0.08 percent.

In the food circulation process, CVUA conducted a detailed analysis of 960 samples and found that 11 samples were found to contain residual substances, accounting for 1.1% of the total samples. More seriously, one of the samples failed to meet the legal requirements, accounting for 0.1%. In particular, metabolites of malachite green were found when samples from a trout farm were tested. Malachite green is a chemical whose use is strictly restricted because of its possible adverse effects on human health. In addition, a sample of shrimp from Bangladesh was also found to contain malachite green metabolites, and the amount exceeded the standard reference value and therefore did not meet the legal requirements.

This detailed report not only reveals the current situation of drug residues in food of animal origin, but also reflects the efforts and achievements of CVUA in ensuring food safety. Through this data, the public can better understand the potential risks in food and take appropriate preventive measures. At the same time, the report also provides an important reference basis for relevant regulatory agencies to further improve the food safety supervision system to ensure that consumers can enjoy safe and healthy food.