Assuring a residue-free food supply: special-fed veal.

The importance of extra-label drug use is discussed as this provision relates to special-fed veal production. Presently, there are 3 drugs approved and labeled for use in veal calves. Other medications and pharmaceuticals required to maintain and enhance calf health and well-being must be provided by consulting veterinarians under extra-label drug use provisions. Although special-fed veal has recently been reclassified as a minor use species (within Inter-Regional-4 designation), a sufficiently broad spectrum of safe and effective drugs will probably not be approved for use in veal calves within an acceptable and reasonable period. The use and practice of extra-label drug use provisions have apparently not represented a food safety hazard if the FSIS National Residue Program results are considered a measure of relative food safety. In 1988, the percentage of violative residues (based on all contaminants including antibiotics) was 3.3%; in 1991, this percentage was 0.24%. If existing extra-label drug use provisions were antagonistic with continuing efforts to enhance food safety, the percentage of violative residues would not have decreased. Perhaps not coincidentally, a comprehensive Veal Quality Assurance Educational Program (VQAEP) also was initiated in 1988. This industry-funded, industry-directed program is comparable to QAEP or total quality management programs conducted in other species and production systems. Over 80% of all US special-fed veal producers and others involved in the veal industry have participated in VQAEP seminars since 1988, with repeated attendance by many producers. Although the VQAEP has been effective, the goal of this and other programs must be zero violative residues.