Madison, N.J.--Pfizer Inc.’s Alpharma LLC subsidiary has decided to
suspend sales in the United States of 3-Nitroâ (Roxarsone), a feed
medicine used primarily in poultry production. Pfizer is taking this
action in response to a request by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) based on a recent study by the Agency. This study used a new
method of testing for very low levels of inorganic arsenic in poultry
tissue. The study found that the use of 3-Nitro results in extremely low
residue levels of inorganic arsenic in the liver of treated chickens but
levels higher than those found in chickens raised without the product.
This extremely low level is equivalent to the amount of inorganic
arsenic found in an eight-ounce glass of drinking water.
FDA agency officials stressed that there is no imminent public health
risk from eating chicken treated with 3-Nitro. According to the FDA,
even in the context of this recent data, there is no need for people to
alter their consumption of chicken. Low levels of inorganic arsenic
occur naturally in a wide range of commonly eaten foods that are
considered safe to eat, including meats, fish, vegetables, grains, and
legumes.(1)
Pfizer views its decision to suspend sales as prudent in light of the
Agency’s request that Pfizer assist in removing an avoidable exposure to
very low levels of inorganic arsenic from eating liver from chickens
treated with 3-Nitro. As agreed to by FDA, the 3-Nitro sales suspension
will go into effect in early July. This action provides for maintained
sales of the product for 30-days from the date of FDA announcement.
Maintaining sales for this period is consistent with FDA’s view that
there is no imminent risk to human health and will provide sufficient
time for poultry producers to identify and transition to other treatment
strategies. This approach will help assure that animal health and
welfare needs are met.
Pfizer is working with FDA to examine further relevant scientific data
regarding the use of this product in animals. Pfizer also continues to
review the results of the study.
3-Nitro is indicated for combination use with certain other medications
as an effective aid in the prevention of coccidiosis, the most common
infection in poultry. 3-Nitro is also approved by the FDA to improve
rate of weight gain and feed efficiency in poultry and swine. Its use in
swine is negligible.
Pfizer is informing poultry producers and will help them identify
therapy strategies to meet their needs during the suspension period.
Pfizer is also communicating its decision to suspend sale of 3-Nitro in
the U.S. to regulatory authorities in international markets where
3-Nitro is approved.
Poultry producers who have questions should contact Pfizer Veterinary
Medical Information Product & Support at 800-366-5288.
Consumers who would like more information may visit - http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm258342.htm.
(1) Schoof, RA et al. 1999. A Market Basket Survey of Inorganic Arsenic
in Food. Food & Chemical Toxicology 37(8): 839-846
Media Contact:
Kristen Neese
(646) 299-2526
Kristen.E.Neese@Pfizer.com