Elanco, FSA and more hope to reduce nicarbazin

Along with a number of other industry bodies, including Elanco Animal Health, the Foods Standards Agency (FSA) has launched an initiative designed to identify ways in which the poultry industry can tackle the problem of nicarbazin residues found in chicken.

The scheme, which also involves the British Poultry Council, the National Farmers’ Union and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, will aim to reduce the incidence and levels of nicarbazin residues in UK chicken, as well as to increase awareness of the issue among farmers.

According to the FSA, the detected incidence of nicarbazin residues in chicken has fallen from a level of 25.5 per cent in 1998 to 9.7 per cent in 2006.

However, the agency believes more should be done concerning the issue and states that the problem is largely due to poor feed management practices on farms.

In other FSA news, the industry body recently launched a Continuing Professional Development scheme for its scientists aimed at developing their skills.