Toxicological evaluation of certain food additives and contaminants : prepared by the 37th meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

This book provides a critical review of all available data useful in assessing the potential hazards to health posed by the presence of selected veterinary drug residues in foods consumed by humans.

Toxicological data is collected and assessed in order to establish acceptable daily intakes for each of the drugs under review.

Evaluations, which record the consensus reached by a committee of experts, draw upon extensive data submitted to WHO by drug manufacturers as well as findings from the published literature.

The book is primarily intended to assist researchers and regulatory agencies requiring a comprehensive view of the scientific basis for the allocation of acceptable daily intakes.

Separate monographs are presented for three anthelminthic drugs (closantel, ivermectin, and levamisole), two antimicrobial agents (benzylpenicillin and oxytetracycline), and two growth promoters (carbadox and olaquindox).

Each monograph opens with a brief description of the drug, its properties, formulations, and principal veterinary applications. The most extensive section evaluates evidence of toxicity as determined in studies of acute toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and effects on reproduction and development.

Findings from studies in food animals and experimental animals are evaluated together with observations in humans, where available.