Updated JECFA Toolbox for veterinary Drug Residue Risk Assessment
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released an updated JECFA Toolbox for Veterinary Drug Residues Risk Assessment, an interactive online resource that explains the scientific process used by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) to assess the safety of veterinary drug residues in food.
The revised version includes targeted updates to improve the scientific accuracy, clarity, consistency, and usability of the Toolbox and related website content, ensuring that the resource remains up to date and accessible for users.
Veterinary drugs are essential for animal health and food production. However, their use can leave residues in animal-derived food products such as meat, milk, eggs, and honey. Scientific risk assessment helps ensure that these residues do not pose a health risk to consumers, while supporting the development of internationally recognized standards that facilitate safe and fair trade.
The toolbox is organized into interactive online sections that guide users through each step of the risk assessment process and provide access to supporting technical materials.
The JECFA risk assessment process evaluates the potential health effects and dietary exposure associated with veterinary drug residues using available scientific data. This scientific advice supports evidence-based decision-making, helps protect public health, and informs the establishment of maximum residue limits (MRLs). JECFA’s recommended MRLs are subsequently considered by the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food (CCRDVF), which develops the corresponding risk management measures.
The Toolbox is intended for national and local competent authorities responsible for veterinary drug approval, the pharmaceutical industry, livestock producers, or veterinary associations.
The JECFA Toolbox was developed with support from the Codex office of the United States of America.
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