Drug residues in milk and meat: what every consumer should know

Milk and meat are essential components of diets worldwide, yet their safety is increasingly threatened by veterinary drug residues. These residues trace amounts of antibiotics, antiparasitic, painkillers, and hormonal agents enter food products when withdrawal periods are ignored or drugs are misused. Although often present in small quantities, they pose serious health risks, including antibiotic resistance, allergic reactions, toxic effects on vital organs, and hormonal imbalances. The article explains how residues pass into milk via the bloodstream and accumulate in tissues of meat-producing animals, highlighting the importance of withdrawal periods in ensuring food safety. Beyond health concerns, residues also affect the dairy and meat industries, leading to rejection of export consignments, economic losses, and erosion of consumer trust. Contributing factors include lack of farmer awareness, economic pressures, self-medication, and poor record-keeping. Regulatory frameworks such as those established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Codex Alimentarius Commission, set maximum residue limits (MRLs), but lapses persist. The article emphasizes that food safety begins at the farm, requiring responsible drug use and adherence to good veterinary practices. Consumers also play a vital role by sourcing products from regulated markets and supporting safer farming systems, thereby protecting public health and sustaining industry credibility.