Veterinary Drug Residues

The SFDA veterinary drug residue guideline ensures the safety of animal-derived food by regulating residue limits. Veterinary medicines play a crucial role in animal health, but improper residue control can pose a risk to public health. To proceed with SFDA Registration, companies must comply with these veterinary residue guidelines, a critical step in achieving regulatory compliance.

Introduction

Veterinary drug residues refer to the traces of pharmacologically active substances (and their metabolites) that remain in food products derived from animals treated with veterinary medicines.

These residues can be present in meat, milk, eggs, and fish. They may also result from the use of drugs for therapeutic, preventive, or diagnostic purposes, as well as for growth promotion.

SFDA Veterinary Drug Residue Control

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)

• Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) refer to the highest amount of veterinary drug residue permitted in food, based on international standards and good veterinary practices. These limits ensure that food remains safe for consumption and that exposure to residues does not endanger human health.

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADIs)

• SFDA sets the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) as the amount of drug residue a person can safely consume every day over a lifetime.
• ADIs are calculated using standard body weight. They also support the SFDA’s broader focus on risk management.

Withdrawal Periods

• The authority defines withdrawal periods as the minimum time required between the last administration of a veterinary drug to an animal and the collection of food products from that animal.
• This ensures that residues decline to levels below the MRL before the food enters the market.

Veterinary Drug Surveillance Programs

SFDA mandates regular testing of food products to detect and quantify veterinary drug residues. Companies must also report adverse events involving veterinary medicines, a key component of post-market safety oversight. These reports help the authority protect both animal health and food safety.

Types of Veterinary Drugs Monitored

The guideline covers a wide range of veterinary drugs, including:

• Antibiotics
• Antiparasitic
• Antifungals
• Anti-inflammatory agents
• Growth Promoters
• Other therapeutic and preventive agents.

The SFDA aligns its veterinary drug residue control measures with international benchmarks such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission, ensuring harmonization with globally accepted safety levels and scientific risk assessments. This strategic alignment has led to key outcomes. For example:

• Trade Enablement: Compliance with Codex MRLs and international guidelines opens the door for Saudi exports of meat, dairy, and animal products, while reducing the risk of trade rejections or recalls.
• Enhanced Public Health: Reduces the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), toxic exposure, and allergic reactions.
• Increased Consumer Confidence: Reinforces public trust in the safety and quality of locally produced food.

Conclusion

Veterinary drug residue control reflects Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to food safety and public health. Through clear regulations and close collaboration across the food supply chain, the Kingdom ensures that the food reaching consumers is safe, of high quality, and responsibly produced.

How PharmaKnowl Can Support

At PharmaKnowl, we specialize in helping veterinary product manufacturers and importers confidently meet SFDA regulatory requirements. Whether you’re registering a new product or ensuring compliance with residue regulations, our team delivers expert guidance tailored to the Saudi market.
Contact us to schedule a discovery call and explore how we can support your veterinary portfolio.