The levels of residues from veterinary medicines and other substances found in animals and animal-derived foods remain low in the European Union, according to the latest report from EFSA.

The report examines a variety of substance groups, including hormones, antibacterials, environmental contaminants, prohibited substances, and other veterinary medicines.

EFSA's annual report for 2022 includes data reported by member states, plus Iceland and Norway.

In 2022, the percentage of non-compliant samples was 0.18%, which is comparable to the past 13 years when non-compliance has ranged between 0.17% and 0.37%. The figure for 2021 was 0.17%.

The overall level of non-compliance in targeted samples (i.e., those taken to detect illegal use or verify non-compliance with maximum permitted levels) was 0.27%, which is comparable to the past four years (0.24%-0.35%) and slightly higher than in 2021 (0.24%). (Photo: Freepik)