The National Milk Safety Program and drug residues in milk

Control of animal drug residues in milk and milk products presents special challenges to both the industry that produces it and the government agencies charged with protecting the public health. Animal drug residues in milk are the result of the treatment of animals in the milking herd. The only method of prevention is proper management of animal drug use at the farm level. This involves dairy producers and their veterinarians. After milk leaves the farm, the involvement of the FDA, states, and processors focuses on monitoring milk and milk products to determine compliance.