NVWA temporarily suspends activities of 46 livestock farmers

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has, as a precaution, temporarily suspended the operations of 46 livestock farms. This decision came after the detection of traces of the pest control agent Racumin Foam in a calf's liver. This product, which contains the active ingredient Coumatetralyl, is designed for mouse control and can only be used under specific conditions.

Research by the NVWA has revealed that a pest control company, responsible for pest management at one of these farms, failed to comply sufficiently with regulations. As a result, animals were exposed to the pesticide, leading to the involved farm's immediate shutdown.

Pesticides in Spotlight

Due to this pest control company also servicing 45 other livestock farmers, their activities have been similarly halted. The NVWA is now investigating the manner and locations where the pesticide was applied at these farms. Depending on the findings, further checks on the animals might be conducted.

This measure is in place to prevent products containing Coumatetralyl from entering the food chain. According to the World Health Organization, this substance is moderately toxic, implying that consumption in large quantities could pose health risks.

To date, five farms have been permitted to resume milk production, following inspections that confirmed the pesticide wasn't applied near the dairy cattle.

Ongoing Investigations

As part of the National Residue Plan, the NVWA conducts tens of thousands of random inspections on animals in slaughterhouses annually. The recent detection of the pesticide in a calf's liver initiated this extensive investigation and the subsequent actions taken.

Nvwa.nl