Current problems concerning the withdrawal period

The international regulations concerning the maximum level of residues in f oodstuffs of animal origin ensure consumer health protection and are among the prerequisites of the marketing and free circulation of foodstuffs. Hung ary participates in the development of the international regulations concer ning residues in the FAG-WHO Coder Alimentarius Com mission, Coder Committe e on Residues of Veterinary Drugs and applies the regulations. Despite the uniform regulations concerning residues, there may be significant differenc es in the withdrawal periods of similar products. The authors discuss the r easons for this and the principles of establishing the safe withdrawal peri od, based on problems arising in practice.