NVWA: extra sampling at slaughter­houses

From September 2022 to the end of 2022, the NVWA is taking extra samples at slaughterhouses of cattle, pigs, horses, goats and sheep. This was prompted by the results of a trial of a new detection method. These showed unexpectedly too high concentrations of (unauthorised) medicine residues in almost 50 of the 240 test samples taken (20%).

Results of first period sampling on cattle category

The results of 193 samples collected and tested yielded a total of 15 positive samples. 4 samples (about 2%) of these were above the legally permissible limit amount of a substance allowed in a product (Maximum Residue Limit). The NVWA issued written warnings and administrative fines to livestock farmers for this. And their carcasses were destroyed. For the remaining 11 samples, the level of medicine residues found was below the MRL value but it turned out that in some cases this was not reported on the VKI form. When an animal has been administered medicine in a period prior to slaughter, this must be reported on a VKI form. Eventually, further inspection did not reveal any violations in these cases.  

Preliminary results

A preliminary conclusion is that the various parties in the chain take their responsibility for food safety seriously. Unfortunately, there are also parties that do not take their responsibility sufficiently. Of course, NVWA would prefer to see that no sample exceeds the MRL.

The slaughter sector cooperated well with the pilot by following NVWA's urgent advice to keep sampled carcasses separate. This proved to work well when an MRL exceedance was unexpectedly found in a sample. Some slaughterhouses have used the pilot to write to their suppliers that they only want to receive animals where there is no unauthorised use of substances. NVWA veterinarians observed an expansion of information on the VKI forms in some slaughterhouses. A fully completed form makes it easier to check for substances and also helps the livestock farmer prove that correct action has been taken. Livestock farmers should therefore always complete the VKI form in full.

Key points of supervision in the coming period

In view of the results of this part of the pilot, the NVWA will next year ensure that the sector parties themselves make good agreements on proper compliance within the chain. Examples include remaining alert to the correct completion of VKI forms and not offering animals for slaughter too early. It is important that livestock farmers respect the required waiting time after taking medication.

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