EU agencies consider phenylbutazone detected in horsemeat of low concern for consumers; recommend improved horse traceability and monitoring of veterinary medicinal residues

A joint assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), in April 2013, concluded that the illegal presence of residues of phenylbutazone in horsemeat was of low concern for consumers due to the low likelihood of exposure and the overall low likelihood of toxic effects. EFSA and EMA confirmed that it was not possible to set safe levels for phenylbutazone in food products of animal origin and therefore its use in the food chain should remain prohibited.

• Primary Source

EMA: News, 15.04.13: EU agencies consider phenylbutazone detected in horsemeat of low concern for consumers; recommend improved horse traceability and monitoring of veterinary medicinal residues http://www.emea.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2013/04/news_detail_001761.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1

---