Revision of EU Maximum Residue Limits for Coccidiostats in Animal Products

Coccidiostats are feed additives widely used for the prevention of coccidiosis caused by several species of Eimeria and Isospora protozoa.

27 Aug 2012 --- On 9 July 2012, Commission Regulation (EC) No 124/2009 had been amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 610/2012. The amendments are an update of maximum levels for the coccidiostats lasalocid sodium, maduramicin, diclazuril, and nicarbazin in foods. Coccidiostats are feed additives widely used for the prevention of coccidiosis caused by several species of Eimeria and Isospora protozoa. Coccidiosis is characterized by diarrhoea, fever, inappetence, weight loss, emaciation, and sometimes death of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and rabbits. The active substances in coccidiostats are classified into two groups:
(1) Polyether ionophores (lasalocid, maduramycin, monensin, narasin, salinomycin, semduramycin)
(2) Chemical coccidiostats (decoquinate, diclazuril, halofuginone, nicarbazin, robenidine).

The occurrence of unavoidable carryover of feed additives containing coccidiostats in non-target feed may result in the presence of residues of these substances in animal products like meat and eggs that may pose a risk to human health. In 2009, the maximum residue levels (MRLs) were originally established for eleven coccidiostats in various foods from non-target animal.

However, these residue limits should be continuously adapted when new scientific data or technical knowledge is available in regards to consumer health risks. In Regulation No. 610/2012, the maximum levels of lasalocid sodium, maduramicin, diclazuril, and nicarbazin in foods are amended as follows:

Lasalocid sodium Food of animal origin from animal species other than poultry and bovine:
• Milk – 1 MRLs (mirco g/kg) OR PPB
• Liver – 50 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB
• Kidney - 20 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB
• Other food - 5 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB

Maduramicin
Food of animal origin from animal species other than chickens for fattening and turkeys:
• Eggs - 12 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB
• Other food - 2 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB

Nicarbazin (residue: 4,4’-dinitrocarbanilide (DNC))
Food of animal origin from animal species other than chicken for fattening:
• Egg - 300 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB
• Milk - 5 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB
• Liver - 300 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB
• Kidney - 100 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB
• Other food - 50 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB

Diclazuril
Food of animal origin from animal species other than chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening, guinea fowl, rabbits for fattening and breeding, ruminants and porcine:
• Eggs - 2 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB
• Liver and kidney - 40 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB
• Other food - 5 MRLs (micro g/kg) OR PPB