Gyeonggi-do Animal Hygiene Testing Center, "No Residual Substances Detected in Raw Milk"

Implementation of Raw Milk Residue Inspection Program... Strengthening the Safety Verification Network for Milk

Raw Milk Residue Inspection [Provided by Gyeonggi-do Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-chul] The Gyeonggi-do Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory announced on the 10th that "since the implementation of the National Residue Control Program (NRP) for raw milk, the use of antibiotics in dairy farms within the province has significantly decreased."

The 'National Residue Control Program for raw milk' refers to the inspection conducted at the provincial level before processing to check for residues of antibiotics and other substances, in accordance with national policy.

According to the testing laboratory, this was further confirmed through self-monitoring inspections using the 'Antibiotic Rapid Test Kit' conducted on 300 farms within the province. The inspection results for 77 types across 6 antibiotic classes, including penicillin, showed no residues detected in any of the farms.

The amount of discarded milk due to residue non-compliance was 153 tons in 2017, 151 tons in 2018, 117 tons in 2019, 108 tons in 2020, and 49 tons in the first half of 2021, showing a significant decrease since the pilot introduction of the NRP inspection in 2018.

Accordingly, the testing laboratory analyzed this as a result of strengthening the milk safety verification network by adding a provincial verification system to the existing quality assurance system conducted independently by dairy companies.

Previously, the testing laboratory conducted a two-year pilot project starting in 2018 and began full implementation in July of last year. The detailed inspection items include 71 substances such as 57 types of antimicrobials potentially used in dairy farms, 2 anti-inflammatory drugs, 9 pesticides, 2 anthelmintics, and 1 mycotoxin.

Additionally, milk judged as non-compliant due to spoilage or residue detection is entirely discarded at the milk collection centers in accordance with the Waste Management Act, fundamentally blocking its distribution in the market.

The director of the Gyeonggi-do Animal Hygiene Testing Laboratory stated, "We will strive to produce and supply safe and hygienic milk through thorough implementation of raw milk residue inspections, expansion of provincial self-monitoring inspections, and education on the use of veterinary drugs for dairy farms."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.