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Animal Health, Welfare and Food Safety Implications of Injectable Iron Products for Piglets

The potential for impurities in iron injectable products is a serious concern for the agricultural industry. It calls into question the balance between animal health and welfare, as well as challenging food safety controls. Scientists tested 16 commonly used products for heavy metals. Levels of arsenic, chromium and/or lead, exceeding permitted daily exposure limits for humans, were found in 15 of them. The investigation calls their safety into question and highlights the need for similar guidelines for animal pharmaceuticals. Zoe Kay, Cuckoo Consulting, writes that the message from this is that choosing an iron injectable product needs careful consideration.