ABSTRACT
The use of antibiotics has made it possible to successfully treat and alleviate the effects of many diseases in both men and animals. The antibiotic residues in milk and dairy products have resulted in problems of concern to the dairy industry. The recurring problem of antibiotics in raw milk supply is a great liability to the dairy industry. Under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, foods are considered adulterated when they are contaminated with unapproved residues of drugs. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA)drug detection program consists of two parts: the monitoring phase and the surveillance phase. Uniform procedures and guidelines have been established to assure compliance with the regulations when residues are suspected or found in edible tissues of animals slaughtered for human food. A report by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) indicates that in absence of the antibiotic use, the efficiency of gain will be reduced, and methods of raising animals would become less efficient.
