Safety scrutinised. Residues of veterinary medicines in foodstuff from animal origin. The use of veterinary medicinal products in food producing animals may give rise to residues in tissues and/or products destined for human consumption. To ensure consumer safety, an assessment of the safety of residues is carried out. This assessment results in the establishment of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for food commodities. Based on the experience gained, the European regulatory authorities are now prepared to accept identical MRLs in different species. Further changes in the risk assessment process are anticipated. At the national level, veterinary drug residue monitoring programs are executed. No public health risks have been identified in The Netherlands