ABSTRACT
The number of drugs legally administered in food-producing animals is large and becomes huge when one includes the plethora of other drugs used illegally. Many of the main metabolites of the drugs are not known and, if known, the analytical methods used usually measure only the parent compound. This is particularly important whenever the drugs are rapidly metabolized or a metabolite has a high toxicity. There is also a need for more research on the effects of temperature as experienced in cooking and pasteurizing, and of prolonged storage, on residues in foods. Therefore, control of drug residues, achieved through measurements, is now essential to meet the required levels of food quality to ensure consumer safety and to fulfill food protection goals. Nano-pico-and even femtogram levels of residues and contaminants have become important, and need to be measured accurately.
