Health Canada's policy on extra-label drug use in food-producing animals in Canada.

Abstract

Health Canada recognizes that extra-label drug use (ELDU) in animals is a tool in the practice of veterinary medicine. Drugs are used in an extra-label manner for a variety of reasons and certain instances of ELDU practice may be warranted for the humane care of animals. However, Health Canada is concerned with uncontrolled practice of ELDU in food-producing animals due to potential public health risks. The Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD) of Health Canada is responsible for evaluating and monitoring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of veterinary drugs in addition to setting standards and promoting the prudent use of drugs administered to food-producing and companion animals. Consistent with Health Canada’s mandate, a policy development process was initiated in collaboration with stakeholders and the ELDU Advisory Committee in order to explore options to minimize the animal and public health risks associated with the practice of ELDU. The proposed ELDU standards are consistent with international perspectives (1). This policy is applicable to ELDU in food-producing animals in Canada. Health Canada’s goal is that this policy will establish a national uniform standard for ELDU practice in Canada. The net effect of this policy is to create awareness of the need to ensure that drugs are used prudently in food-producing animals. Consequently, the Canadian food products derived from animals will maintain their competitiveness in international trade (2).