The July report of the UK's surveillance scheme for drug and toxin
residues in animal products reports cadmium and coccidiostats in
poultry and antifungal agents in farmed trout and salmon as the
primary remaining problems. Otherwise the trend towards safer animal
products continues with no residues detected this time in eggs. Milk
and almost all red meats sampled remained "clean" of any significant
residues.

Residues in farmed fish
-----------------------
Concern about antifungal drug residues in farmed trout and salmon is
echoed by the commercial Eclipse Food Testing Laboratory also. High
stocking densities and low vitality in farmed fish make them prone to
fungal infections.

Residues in Poultry
-------------------
Cadmium and coccidiostats have been found in a significant number of
poultry livers. Coccidiostats are drugs used to control digestive
tract infections by one-celled parasites (coccidia). Coccidia
infections (coccidiosis) are especially a problem when birds are kept
in overcrowded conditions and when hygiene is poor.


Cadmium - Cumulative problem world-wide
---------------------------------------
Cadmium is a soft, silvery-white metal used primarily in the
production of nickel-cadmium batteries and in metal plating. It is
also used in production of pigments, plastics and alloys. Cadmium is
released into the air from industrial processes, vehicle exhaust
gases (it is present in motor oil), burning of plastics and rubber.
Volcanic activity is a natural source of cadmium release.

From the air, cadmium contaminates water and soil and from thence it
contaminates human and animal foods. Water and soil can also be
contaminated via pollution of waterways and by dissolution from
galvanized iron objects whose zinc coating contains cadmium.

Cadmium exists in nature in small quantities. It has no known
nutritive value and are capable of producing a toxic effect. The
toxic action of cadmium seems to involve the replacement of zinc in
certain enzymes. Damage to kidney function is a particular risk.


Honey and Warm-water Prawns
---------------------------
Residues continue to be found in imported honey and imported warm
water prawns as mentioned in our last report:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/cheal/message/5


[Reference: Medicines Act Veterinary Information Service Edition 51
July 2004]