EU agencies to advise on risks from phenylbutazone in horsemeat

The European Commission, in March 2013, asked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to carry out a joint assessment of the risks to human health from the presence in horsemeat of residues of the anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone. The request followed the identification of beef products contaminated with horsemeat and the discovery of phenylbutazone – also known as 'bute' – in a small number of horse carcasses intended for the food chain.

• Primary Source

EMA: News, 07.03.13: EU agencies to advise on risks from phenylbutazone in horsemeat http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2013/03/news_detail_001731.jsp

EFSA: FAQ on Phenylbutazone in horsemeat http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/faqs/phenylbutazone.htm?wtrl=01

EFSA: Topics: Meat inspection http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/meatinspection.htm

EFSA: 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.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/130415.htm

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