What is the primary purpose of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD)?

The primary purpose of the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) is to provide residue avoidance information. This resource is crucial for veterinarians, producers, and regulatory officials, as it offers guidance on the withdrawal times for various pharmaceuticals and chemicals used in food animals, including dairy cattle. By ensuring that animal products are free from harmful drug residues, it plays a vital role in safeguarding public health and maintaining food safety standards. The databank helps users make informed decisions about medication use and management practices, ultimately supporting the goal of producing safe and wholesome food products. This focus on residue avoidance directly addresses the critical need to protect consumers and the integrity of the food supply.