Improper or excessive use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals can result in harmful residues in food and contribute to the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a major public health concern.

Addressing this issue, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has unveiled a new technical resource aimed at bolstering food safety systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with a specific focus on mitigating AMR. The Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (RVDF) Tool is designed to help national authorities improve monitoring and risk management of veterinary drug residues in food products.

The RVDF Tool provides a framework for assessing national capacities across laboratories, universities, and food safety authorities. It helps countries identify gaps in infrastructure, standard operating procedures, and intersectoral coordination; and encourages the alignment of national practices with international standards, including Codex Alimentarius maximum residue limits (MRLs).

The tool complements the work of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) and leverages risk assessments from the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). It also integrates guidance from the JECFA Toolbox, which supports national authorities in selecting appropriate risk management strategies related to veterinary drug residues.

A recent pilot in Pakistan, supported by the Republic of Korea-funded Action to Support the Implementation of Codex AMR Texts (ACT) Project, demonstrated the tool’s effectiveness. While technical capacity existed, the assessment revealed gaps in procedures and collaboration. The RVDF Tool facilitated dialogue among veterinary services, food safety authorities, and academia, resulting in a clear national roadmap for residue monitoring aligned with Codex standards.

Beyond compliance, the RVDF Tool encourages countries to generate actionable data that informs AMR strategies and supports One Health collaboration. It promotes understanding of drug usage patterns, risk hotspots, and links between food safety and public health.

The tool can be tailored to diverse national capabilities, including those lacking centralized monitoring systems. It also serves as a resource for donor agencies and development partners seeking to support targeted capacity-building initiatives.

By fostering data-driven decision-making, enhancing risk assessment capabilities, and promoting alignment with international standards, the RVDF Tool empowers LMICs to build resilient food safety systems that protect consumers, support trade, and contribute to global AMR mitigation efforts.