Sulfonamides in Meat

• Sulfonamides

In chemistry, the sulfonamide functional group (also spelled sulphonamide) is -S(=O)₂-NH₂, a sulfonyl group connected to an amine group. Many important drugs contain the sulfonamide group. A sulfonamide (compound) is a compound that contains this group. The general formula is RSO₂NH₂, where R is some organic group. For example, "methane sulfonamide" is CH₃SO₂NH₂. Any sulfonamide can be considered as derived from a sulfonic acid by replacing a hydroxyl group with an amine group. In medicine, the term "sulfonamide" is sometimes used as a synonym for sulfa drug, a derivative or variation of sulfanilamide.

• Problems and hazards of the use of sulfonamides in meat

Sulfonamides are widely used for the prevention or treatment of diseases in food-producing animals. However, there is a risk of drug residues in animal products due to overuse and abuse. Sulfonamide residues can cause allergies or toxicities or even cancer in consumers. When the sulfonamides accumulate to a certain extent in the human body, they have serious toxic and side effects, which will destroy the normal immune function and hematopoietic system. It can also damage the human urinary system, and it is easy to precipitate crystals in the renal tubules, causing crystal urine, hematuria, and proteinuria. Most sulfa drugs have a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, which is easy to inhibit the growth of normal parasitic bacteria in the intestine, resulting in the lack of certain vitamins. In addition, sulfonamides can also inhibit the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow, cause granulocyte trachea, and also affect the central nervous system. The corresponding human symptoms include dizziness, headache, general malaise, and so on. Sulfonamides can easily cause drug allergies, and it can even cause exfoliative dermatitis.

• Regulation for food additives and preservatives

In order to eliminate abuse and get consumers out of these problems, strict inspection is essential. The maximum residue limit (MRL) in meat has been established for all SAs by the European Union (EU) at 0.1 ppm.

• EU regulations on other uses of animal drugs

Obligations of animal-derived food operators: Use drugs according to drug requirements. The duties of the official regulatory authorities:

? Inspection of the production, storage, transportation, distribution and use of pharmaceuticals;
Inspection of feed production and distribution;
Inspection without prior notice;
Suspected illegal use when the medicine is used, the farm shall be inspected, and the farm and the veterinarian shall provide assistance;
The feed, drinking water and animals shall be used for sampling the breeding ground.

• Other EU requirements for animal-derived foods

? Foods should have a clear identity;
Food companies should establish a HACCP plan;
Special requirements: In the process of transporting animals to the slaughterhouse, the welfare requirements of the slaughtered animals should be guaranteed;
Animals should be fully rested before slaughtering, and animal welfare should be guaranteed;
Animal-derived food companies must obtain the registration of the competent authority in accordance with the conditions stipulated by the regulations;
Animal slaughtering and segmentation operations must meet specified hygiene requirements.

• Related regulations

https://publications.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/05df492d-0557-4abe-96cb-8795728e02e6/language-en/format-PDF/source-76069996

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