The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA) found no harmful residues of hormones, antibiotics or other medicines during testing.
Two samples contained mycotoxins originating from the feed fed to the animals. Go here and follow the appropriate link for a detailed breakdown of the sampling (in Danish)
A total of 12,500 laboratory samples included all food producing animal species and animal products: Pigs, cattle, horses, sheep/goats, poultry, aquaculture animals, farmed and wild game as well as honey, milk and eggs.
The analysis of solely domestic products looked for antibiotics, anthelmintics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) using advanced chemical methods (see here for full list).
DVFA also tests imported food but for 2015 the numbers aren’t qualified or reported yet.
Danish approach
Tim Petersen, head of unit, DVM, Animal Welfare and Veterinary Medicine, said the programme is run every year.
“Prudent use of antimicrobials in pigs, resistant bacteria and residues of antimicrobials in meat are naturally topics with major public and political interest and concern," he told us.
“In recent years reducing the level of antimicrobials in pig production has been an important priority for Danish pig producers and for the DVFA, resulting in Denmark generally being named a role model due to Denmark’s achievements on reducing a low veterinary use of antimicrobials to an even lower point.
“This testing is done according to Directive 96723/EF, which all members of the European Union has to follow. The yearly plan has to be approved by the European Commission and results are collected and analysed by the European Commission.”
Petersen said in general it has less than five ‘non-compliant’ findings of drug residues in its residue monitoring programme although it takes more than 12,000 samples.
Esben Lunde Larsen, Danish Minister for Environment and Food, said consumers can safely drink a glass of Danish milk or enjoy a Danish pork chop without worrying about harmful residues of medicines.
“It is important for the trust in our products, that the farming industry live by the rules in this matter. The 2015 results underline our reputation as a country with a high level of food safety.”