EU agencies to advise on bute risk

The European Commission has asked EFSA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to carry out a joint assessment of the risks to human health from residues of the anti-inflammatory drug phenylbutazone in horsemeat.

The request comes in the wake of the horsemeat scandal and the discovery of phenylbutazone – also known as ‘bute’ – in a small number of horse carcasses intended for the food chain.

In carrying out the joint risk assessment, the two agencies will use all available scientific evidence and consider data and results of ongoing testing of horsemeat in Member States as these become available.

The EU agencies will provide advice by 15 April 2013 to help inform future decision-making.