Well, it is different for every product and AAFC has put together a schedule listing the concentrations for specifically targeted medications for which registration will apply. In some cases, the regulations will also apply to other products containing highly concentrated medications. Establishments using less concentrated medicated products such as medicated macro premixes and medicated supplements, would not need to be registered. This does not mean, however, that they are not without control. AAFC currently has the authority to survey on-farm feed manufacturers to determine if medicated feeds comply with legislative standards.
Inspectors also have the authority to take feed samples to check for drug levels and residues.
The regulations are important to the industry to establish more control on the process of mixing highly concentrated products and thus minimize the chance of residues in the final product and to maintain equivalency with the U.S. where such controls are already in place. An Action Committee has been formed to implement the recommendations from the workshop. The Canadian Pork Council continues to work on the development of a quality assurance program for hog producers. While the model is being reviewed, the Technical Group is developing Good Production Practices for producers. It is hoped that these practices will be developed over the summer and circulated for review in early fall.