In order to protect the health of the consumer of foodstuffs of animal origin, one of the most important principles laid down by these Directives is that foodstuffs obtained from treated animals must not contain residues which might constitute a health hazard for the consumer.

Whereas as a result of scientific and technical progress it is possible to detect the presence of residues of veterinary medicines in foodstuffs at ever lower levels ; whereas it is therefore necessary to establish maximum residue limits for pharmacologically active substances which are used in veterinary medicinal products in respect of all the various foodstuffs of animal origin, including meat, fish, milk, eggs and honey.

After 1 January 1992, a Member State may not authorize a new pharmacologically active substance for use in veterinary medicinal products intended for use in food-producing animals unless MRLs have been established by the Community.

During the five year period, 1992-1996, the Community must evaluate the safety of all pharmacologically active substances authorized for use in food-producing animals by the Member States.

A favourable outcome of the evaluation will lead to a proposal to insert the substance concerned in one of Annexes I, II or III of the Regulation.

From 1 January 1997 onwards, it will no longer be possible to use any active substance in veterinary medicinal products for food-producing animals unless the substance concerned has been included in one of these Annexes.