- PDF Version (417K) - Print Friendly - Help

AgVetLink Special issue for Veterinarians May 2006

Residue Investigation

Endosulfan, a horticultural pesticide, was found in a sample of New Zealand beef shipped to South Korea in late 2005. Korea, along with the meat company, provided valuable assistance that allowed rapid and conclusive traceback to determine the source of the residue.

Only one farm was implicated. The residue was from the non-approved use of a plant pesticide as an animal spray. Although detected at levels below those internationally allowed in a variety of fruit and vegetables for which the spray is approved (and not considered in itself to present a health risk to consumers), its use in such a way is a breach of regulations. Legal action has been taken.

The ACVM Group requests the help of veterinarians in reminding their clients of their obligations to adhere to all regulations, and their responsibility to ensure that food is both safe and suitable. This incident illustrates that alleged careless action by just one individual can have severe consequences not just for neighbours but for a whole food production and export industry.