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On November 16, 2020, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2020/1712 classifying the use of lidocaine in piglets in relation to residues. In February, the European Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) reviewed the consumer risk assessment in a now published document that confirms the green light for the use of lidocaine for piglet castration without the need to define a maximum residue limit (MRL).
Prior to Regulation 1712/2020, lidocaine was classified as "MRL not required" only for use in equids, exclusively for locoregional anesthesia. Subsequently, the European Medicines Agency received an application to extend this same classification to pigs, for cutaneous and epilesional use of lidocaine in piglets up to the age of seven days, for local anesthesia during and after castration. The European Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products issued a favorable opinion in this respect.
At its last meeting, the Committee concluded that lidocaine residues in piglet tissues result in consumer exposure "below the acceptable exposure level". Given the route of administration and metabolism in treated piglets, the Committee concludes that the establishment of maximum residue limits for lidocaine in pigs is not necessary for the protection of human (consumer) health and therefore recommends the inclusion of lidocaine in Table 1 (permitted substances) of the Annex to Regulation (EU) 37/2010.
March 25, 2021/ EMA/ European Union.
https://www.ema.europa.eu
