On 27 February 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) officially launched the JECFA Toolbox for Veterinary Drug Residues Risk Assessment. FAO hosted a launch event on Zoom, attracting over 150 attendees from 50 countries (see the summary report for more details).  

The JECFA Toolbox for Veterinary Drug Residues Risk Assessment describes the process used by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) when assessing the risks of veterinary drug residues in animal-derived food products consumed by humans. The key output of the JECFA risk assessment process is the derivation of maximum residue limits (MRLs), which protect human health and facilitate fair trade. The derived MRLs are then recommended to the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food (CCRDVF), which develops appropriate risk management measures. 

The JECFA Toolbox is designed for use by potential JECFA experts to broaden the pool of experts available.  It can also be used by national or regional regulatory agencies responsible for veterinary drug approval or food quality standards, the pharmaceutical industry, producers in animal agriculture or veterinary associations.      

The toolbox was developed as part of training activities on JECFA risk assessment processes, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. Kenneth Lowery from the US Codex Office commended FAO for the development and launch of the JECFA Toolbox for Veterinary Drug Residues Risk Assessment: “This comprehensive and practical resource marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to ensure food safety and public health worldwide”. 

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Toolbox: JECFA Toolbox for Veterinary Drug Residues Risk Assessment 

Webinar recording: Launch event: JECFA Toolbox for Veterinary Drug Residues Risk Assessment 27 February 2025 

Summary report: Launch event of the JECFA Toolbox for Veterinary Drug Residues Risk Assessment - Summary report