MRL removed for 17β-oestradiol in food of animal origin
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EU removes the MRL for 17β-oestradiol in food of animal origin
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/860 of 18 March 2024 amending Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 as regards the substance 17β-oestradiol
Update
The European Union has removed the maximum residue limit (MRL) for 17β-oestradiol, including for therapeutic and zootechnical use in mammals.
Impacted Products
Food-producing mammals
What is changing?
Regulation 37/2010 sets the MRLs accepted in foods of animal origin. 17β-oestradiol was allowed in mammals only for therapeutic and zootechnical (to improve the genetics of breeding animals) purposes. That authorisation is now removed.
Why?
This change aligns Regulation 37/2010 with Directive 96/22, which bans 17β-oestradiol use in food-producing animals.
Timeline
Applies from 8 April 2024.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
Food from mammals exported to the EU must not contain 17β-oestradiol. The use of 17β-oestradiol is not allowed in food-producing animals, including for therapeutic and zootechnical use.
Recommended Actions
Food from mammals exported to the EU must not contain 17β-oestradiol. Competent authorities and producers in non-EU countries where 17β-oestradiol may be used for therapeutic and zootechnical purposes should ensure that alternative treatment is given using permitted substances (see Official controls of veterinary drug residues in products of animal origin).
Background
Regulation 37/2010 sets the MRLs of pharmacologically active substances accepted in food of animal origin. Any substances that is not specifically mentioned in this regulation for the uses described, cannot be used in food-producing animals.
Resources
European Commission (2023) Control plans for residues of veterinary medicines, pesticides and contaminants
European Commission Residues of veterinary medicinal products
Directive 96/22
Sources
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