An audit by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Inspector General has found that the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FIS) national residue program for cattle is inadequate. The program samples processed meat from slaughter plants to test for residue of veterinary dugs, pesticides and heavy metals. Currently, 120 substances are tested for per year. To administer the program, the USDA works with the FDA and EPA, which set residue tolerances. However, these agencies have not set the tolerances for many substances, and the FIS has not recalled contaminated meat. In 2008, dairy cow and bob veal meats accounted for over 90% of violations. The report identifies four issues: more substances need to be tested for; sample methodology must be improved; more efficient ways are needed to approve new testing methods for drug residues; and collaboration is required for setting tolerances for additional residues. The report’s several recommendations include expediting approval of new testing methods; developing a plan to establish tolerances for hazardous substances that are not tested for, and implementing an electronic lab reservation system for residue samples. The FIS has stated it is incorporating most of the recommendations.

Source: USDA Office of Inspector General