Issue Date: July 27, 2006
Issued by: Center for Veterinary Medicine
Topic(s): Human Food Safety, VICH
Status: Final

CVM GFI #160 (VICH GL37) Studies to Evaluate the Safety of Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Human Food: Repeat-Dose (Chronic) Toxicity Testing

A variety of toxicological evaluations are performed to establish the safety of veterinary drug residues in human food. The objective of this guidance is to establish recommendations for internationally harmonized repeat-dose (chronic) toxicity testing. The current guidance is one of a series of guidances developed to facilitate the mutual acceptance of safety data necessary for the determination of acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) for veterinary drug residues in human food. While this guidance recommends the framework for chronic toxicity testing of veterinary drugs, it is important that the design of the test remains flexible. This guidance does not preclude the possibility of alternative approaches that may offer an equivalent assurance of safety, including scientifically based reasons as to why chronic toxicity testing may not need to be provided. Within the context of this guidance, tests should be tailored to adequately establish the dose-response relationship and a no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for toxicity seen following chronic treatment.

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