Dear Sir,
This letter is a response to the accompanying commentary by Dr. H.J. Rumney (Midland, Ontario) focusing on the Special Report entitled “Health Canada’s policy on extra-label drug use in food-producing animals in Canada” (Can Vet J 2008;49:689–693).
Health Canada’s Veterinary Drugs Directorate understands the concerns about over-the-counter (OTC) availability of some veterinary drugs. However, it should be noted that the regulation of veterinary drugs in Canada involves both federal and provincial jurisdictions. Health Canada’s role in this regard is to evaluate and monitor the safety, quality and effectiveness of veterinary drugs, while setting standards and promoting the prudent use of veterinary drugs administered to food-producing animals. The administration of veterinary drugs is primarily within provincial jurisdiction, and legislation and/or regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine vary from province to province. With respect to OTC sales of veterinary drugs, provincial regulations may restrict the availability of these drugs to prescription only as in Quebec.
The goal of the current extra-label drug use (ELDU) policy is to establish the fact that only veterinarians are qualified to practice ELDU in food-producing animals in Canada. The policy statement indicates that anyone who intends to use drugs in food-producing animals in a manner other than what is indicated on the label needs a valid veterinarian-client-patient-relationship.
Food safety in Canada is a shared responsibility and Health Canada hopes that the standards elaborated in the ELDU policy will help in fostering this vision.