Nitrofuran drug use banned in food animals
Rockville, Md. - FDA is ordering the prohibition of extra-label use of topical nitrofuran animal and human drugs in food-producing animals.
Rockville, Md. - FDA is ordering the prohibition of extra-label use of topical nitrofuran animal and human drugs in food-producing animals.
Mounting evidence that extra-label use of topical nitrofuran drugs in food-producing animals may produce unsafe carcinogenic residues led to the FDA ruling.
Previously, FDA allowed two approved topical nitrofurans for use in cattle. The products were: furazolidone aerosol powder (trade names, Topazone and Furox aerosol) and nitrofurazone topical powder for pinkeye and wounds (trade names, NFZ Puffer and P.E. 7.).
A study conducted by the FDA showed detectable levels of nitrofuran derivatives are present in edible tissues (milk, meat, kidney, liver) of cattle treated by the ocular route.
The study indicates that use of these nitrofuran products may pose a public health risk because residues of known carcinogens are present.
