Report on the functioning of Regulation (EC) No 470/2009 laying down Community procedures for the establishment of residue limits of pharmacologically active substances in foodstuffs of animal origin

The use of veterinary medicines on food-producing animals may leave residues in food derived from those animals that can be harmful to humans. While the pharmacological effects of medicinal products are necessary for the effective treatment of animals, consumers should be protected from them.

Regulation (EC) No 470/2009 establishes maximum residue limits and reference values (‘reference points for action’) for pharmacologically active substances present in food obtained from animals.

A maximum residue limit (MRL) is the maximum concentration of a residue of a pharmacologically active substance which may be permitted in food of animal origin. A reference point for action is the level of residue of a pharmacologically active substance established for monitoring purposes in the case of certain substances for which a maximum residue limit has not been laid down.

Article 28 of Regulation (EC) No 470/2009 requires the Commission to report to the European Parliament and the Council on the experience gained from applying the Regulation by 6 July 2014, i.e. after it has been in force for five years.