FAO launches toolbox for veterinary drug residues risk assessment
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched the JECFA Toolbox for Veterinary Drug Residues Risk Assessment to help various stakeholders evaluate risks from veterinary drug residues in animal-derived food products.
The toolbox consists of six sections detailing the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) risk assessment process, which aims to evaluate the hazards and exposure potential of these residues through rigorous analysis of relevant scientific data.
Key features of the JECFA Toolbox include:
• Introduction to relevant concepts: Users are familiarized with critical issues that arise during the risk assessment of veterinary drug residues.
• Clear presentation of the assessment process: The toolbox outlines the specific risk assessment procedures employed by JECFA.
• Practical examples: It provides concrete examples of each step in the risk assessment process.
• Guidance on additional resources: Users can find further sources of information for detailed aspects of the assessment process.
• Data quality challenges: The toolbox highlights how data quality issues can impact the risk assessment outcomes.
The JECFA Toolbox is intended for a wide range of stakeholders (e.g. national and regional regulatory agencies, the pharmaceutical industry, animal agriculture producers, and veterinary associations) concerned with veterinary drug residues in food. While all are encouraged to engage with the toolbox, certain sections may appeal more to specific audiences: general sections for broader risk analysis enthusiasts and technical sections for those with advanced backgrounds in fields like toxicology and pharmacokinetics.
Scheduled for launch on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 15:00 to 16:00 CET, the event will provide an overview of the toolbox's development, a live demonstration, and an opportunity for participants to ask questions.
With this toolbox, the FAO aims to strengthen the capabilities of those assessing veterinary drug residues, ultimately enhancing food safety and facilitating international trade in animal-derived products.
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