SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF USING CHEMICALS IN THE FOOD PRODUCTION CHAIN OF ANIMAL ORIGIN

Abstract

Residues in food have received much attention in recent years because of growing food safety, public health concerns and the levels of pesticide residues are now over alarming situation in certain countries, so consumers are becoming more worried about this. The presence of residues in food of animal origin constitutes socioeconomic challenges in international trade in animal and animal products. The aim of this review was to focus on food safety in relation to veterinary drug residues and pesticide residues in animals product (meat and milk).It was represents a review of information collected from farmers, veterinarians and other related job in relation to veterinary drug and pesticide residues in livestock and livestock products in Sudan. Data were collected by using face to face interview structured questionnaire comprise of knowledge of veterinary drugs and pesticides residues. The questionnaire revealed that there was a general lack of awareness among food animal producer on the correct way of using veterinary drugs (40%),withdrawal period (98%),while (19%) obtain drugs without prescription and,(6%) are using growth promoter however, the data showed that (90%) of veterinarian do not calculate the dosing on body weight basis which might lead to over-dosing or sub-dosing, also there was lack of follow up of cases after leaving the clinic (60%).The wide spread of the misuse drug ,improper drug dispensing and handling practices can affect the drug potency and can also contribute to the veterinary drugs residues in the Sudanese food animals and their products. Veterinarians must be well aware of the importance of chemical residues in the food animals and their possible risk to the general public, and updated the information about the proper withdrawal times of all the chemicals used in their areas of practice. They must extend this information to the livestock farmers for the production of residue free edible animal products (milk, meat), for residue analysis, trained manpower are needed. The responsibility for residue control and prevention must be shared by the government, producers, veterinarians, teachers and academicians, marketing associations, and other interested parties, who must strive for both healthy and efficiently grown animals as well as a safe food supply Several approaches can be taken to achieve this goal