GPP #6
Use chemical residue tests where appropriate

SOP 6.1: Adhere to all required withdrawal times to avoid violative residues.

Packers test meat products randomly and at multiple times and more frequently in show animals.

The producer’s responsibility is to supply the packer with animals that are free from drug and chemical residues. "Residue" refers to the portion of a medication remains in the animal's tissue. It is your job to provide a safe, wholesome product for consumers. This means strict following of the withdrawal times for all medications. Understand how to follow labels carefully for every feed additive, drug, or chemical used.

Drug tests are becoming cheaper, faster, and more convenient so you should consider on farm testing where appropriate. Appropriate being anytime you have reason to believe that an animal that is going to market may have received a medication and may not have reached the minimal withdrawal time. This can be especially true of animals that were given “extra-label” treatment as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Ultimately we serve the public and it is they who must continue to have confidence that we are providing a safe, quality product for consumption. Drug tests can be a valuable tool to insure that products are chemical free.