EFSA’s annual report on residues of veterinary drugs in live animals and animal products confirms a high level of compliance with legal limits in 2024 as well. In fact, the percentage of non-compliant samples was 0.13% (629 out of 493,664 samples), in line with the previous year’s figure (0.11%).

The report categorizes the samples examined—from EU member states, Iceland, and Norway—according to three control levels:

• the national risk-based control Plan for production in Member States;
• the national randomized surveillance Plan;
• the national risk-based control Plan for imports from third countries.

The substances tested for potential residues include hormones (including steroids), beta-agonists (muscle pain relievers), antibacterial agents, and antiparasitic agents (including insect repellents). Among the foods of animal origin examined, however, are meat (farmed and wild game), dairy products, eggs, and honey.

The complete dataset will soon be available on EFSA Knowledge Junction.