MRLs for ketoprofen in animal products (ruminants, pigs, horses)
- Veterinary residues
- Food safety controls
- Official controls
Summary
The European Commission has set maximum residue levels (MRLs) for ketoprofen in meat, fat, offals, and milk derived from all ruminants (including cows and sheep), pigs, and horses.
EU sets MRLs for ketoprofen in animal products (ruminants, pigs, horses)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1105 of 3 June 2025 amending Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 as regards the classification of the substance ketoprofen with respect to its maximum residue limit in foodstuffs of animal origin
Update
The European Commission has set maximum residue levels (MRLs) for ketoprofen in meat, fat, offals, and milk derived from all ruminants (including cows and sheep), pigs, and horses.
Impacted Products
Meat, fat, liver, kidney, and milk from cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses
What is changing?
Previously, under Regulation 2023/2194, the EU set an MRL for ketoprofen in poultry tissues (see MRLs for ketoprofen in poultry). For beef, pork and horse, the use of ketoprofen was allowed with “no MRL required” (Regulation 37/2010, Annex, Table 1).
The European Commission has now set the following MRLs for ketoprofen that apply to the tissues of all ruminants (including cows, sheep, and goats), pigs, and horses:
- muscle, kidney: 50 μg/kg
- fat, liver, milk: 20 μg/kg.
For pigs, the MRL on fat relates to “skin and fat in natural proportions”.
Why?
Following a request from the Commission, the European Medicines Agency evaluated and recommended MRLs for ketoprofen in species of cows and pigs. On the basis of this evaluation, the Commission has extended these MRLs to all ruminants and horses.
Timeline
The MRLs apply from 24 June 2025.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
The use of veterinary medicines containing ketoprofen was already permitted in cows, pigs, and horses with “no MRL required”. MRLs are now set for these species, and are extended to all ruminants under the new Regulation. Food produced from all these animals have to comply with the MRLs.
Recommended Actions
Non-EU countries exporting these animal products to the EU must ensure ketoprofen residues comply with EU MRLs. Regular residue testing and use of updated veterinary practices are essential.
Background
The Annex to Regulation 37/2010 sets out pharmacologically active substances that may be used in veterinary medicines, and their MRLs in food of animal origin. Ketoprofen may currently be used in relation to cows, pigs, and horses with “no MRL required”. An MRL for ketoprofen was previously only set for poultry.
The Annex to Regulation 37/2010 is amended accordingly.
Resources
Regulation (EC) No 470/2009 laying down Community procedures for the establishment of residue limits of pharmacologically active substances in food
Commission Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 on pharmacologically active substances and their classification regarding maximum residue limits in foodstuffs of animal origin
European Commission: Residues of veterinary medicinal products
Sources
Commission Implementing Regulation 2025/1105 as regards the classification of the substance ketoprofen with respect to its maximum residue limit in foodstuffs of animal origin
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EU sets MRLs for ketoprofen in animal products (ruminants, pigs, horses)
Commission Implementing Regulation 2025/1105 as regards the classification of the substance ketoprofen with respect to its maximum residue limit in foodstuffs of animal origin
What is changing and why?
The European Union (EU) has set maximum residue levels (MRLs) for ketoprofen in animal products from all ruminants (including cows, sheep, and goats), pigs, and horses. These MRLs apply to the tissues of these animals as follows:
- muscle, kidney: 50 μg/kg
- fat, liver, milk: 20 μg/kg.
MRLs for poultry were set in 2023, see MRLs for ketoprofen in poultry.
Actions
Non-EU countries exporting these animal products to the EU must ensure ketoprofen residues comply with EU MRLs. Regular residue testing and use of updated veterinary practices are essential.
Timeline
The MRLs apply from 24 June 2025.
Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall COLEAD be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered that is claimed to have resulted from the use of information available on this website or any link to external sites. The use of the website is at the user’s sole risk and responsibility. This information platform was created and maintained with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents do not, however, reflect the views of the European Union.