The USDA-FSIS has developed a pilot program in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Service to survey livestock products for the presence of antibiotic residues to verify the authenticity of “raised without antibiotics” label claims.

Organizations opposed to intensive livestock production view label claims as a potential area of vulnerability for producers. Freedom from antibiotics is an important consumer concern, irrespective of clinical or health justification.  Progress and Farm Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to ending intensive livestock production, have conducted a series of superficial surveys confirming that those responding to questionnaires are in favor of assays and mandatory labeling in the event of antibiotic administration during production. The results of simplistic surveys are completely predictable and require a simple yes or no answer to a loaded question to generate an impression of overwhelming support. These questionnaires usually descend to the level of asking six-year olds if they are in favor of ice cream.

The principle of screening for the presence of antibiotics in products derived from flocks and herds with labels indicating freedom from antibiotics is supported by responsible entities including the Reagan-Udall Foundation.

As with any assay procedure, the sampling protocol must be based on sound scientific methodology.  Standards for both specificity and sensitivity of detection should be established. Advanced analytical equipment may spuriously indicate the presence of a compound despite the fact that no antibiotic was used in production. Detection limits may be a thousandfold higher than levels of clinical significance. The average consumer does not appreciate the difference between a nanogram and a kilogram requiring effective guidance by the USDA-FSIS or FDA with realistic compliance levels.