Who determines the potential risk to Canadians of dietary exposure to veterinary drugs?
Dietary exposure to veterinary drugs occurs when residues remain in food products derived from animals treated with a veterinary drug. Health Canada establishes maximum residue limits that are safe for human consumption by using a scientific, multi-step, health risk assessment process that is internationally recognized. When a potential health risk is identified in foods in the marketplace, Health Canada, through VDD is called upon to assess the risk to Canadians. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is authorized under the Food and Drugs Act to take corrective action if warranted. Recent technological advancements have enabled scientists to improve methods that can detect minute amounts of residue that could remain in foods.
