Illegal use of beta-adrenergic agonists: European Community

摘要: The use of veterinary medicinal products within the European Community is governed by a series directives and regulations that describe requirements for safety, quality, efficacy these products. Veterinary therapeutic β-agonists has only been approved in case clenbuterol bronchodilatation horses calves tocolysis cows. No have permitted growth-promoting purposes farm animals. Surveillance presence residues agents food-producing animals meat regulated Directive 86/469/EEC containing specific guidelines sampling procedures on farms slaughterhouses. level frequency dependent category compounds animal species. When positive samples identified (above certain action levels), intensity increased. Results monitoring programs EU member states during 1992 1993 occurrence vary substantially with respect to percentages samples, ranging from 0 7%. variability partly explained differences strategies, detection methods, levels applied. Identification proper matrices important. In clenbuterol, hair choroid retinal tissue are appropiate tissues because accumulates matrices. A clear decrease cattle observed Netherlands, Germany, Northern Ireland, Spanish Basque Country over last 3 yr. This due intensified surveillance activities at slaughterhouses governmental agencies production sector organizations. There data human intoxication following consumption liver or treated β-agonists. At concentrations measured contaminated pharmacological effects may be expected humans after consuming 100 200 g product. highly active as growth promoters not appropriate potential hazard health, was recently concluded scientific Conference Growth Promotion Meat Production (Nov. 1995, Brussels).