What is the main purpose of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD)?

The main purpose of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) is to help avoid drug residues in animals. This resource is critical for veterinarians and producers to ensure that any drugs administered to food animals do not lead to harmful levels of drug residues in the meat, milk, or eggs produced by these animals. By providing comprehensive guidelines on withdrawal times and residue avoidance strategies, FARAD aims to promote food safety and public health.

Professionals can refer to FARAD for specific details on the withdrawal periods necessary after administering various drugs to ensure that products entering the food supply are safe for consumption and comply with regulatory standards. This proactive management helps mitigate the risk of violative drug residues in the food chain, which is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and compliance with food safety regulations.