EU permits expanded lidocaine use in piglets under residue rules
Vets may use lidocaine injections in piglets under EU residue limits
Change
EU amended residue rules to permit lidocaine injection use in piglets up to 7 days old under specified conditions, effective 20 days after publication.
Why it matters
Permitted administration routes expand under Regulation 2026/892 amending EU 37/2010. Lidocaine injection into the scrotum, testicles and spermatic cord is now allowed in piglets up to 7 days old, alongside existing cutaneous and epilesional use.
Implications
- — Veterinary practitioners must restrict lidocaine use to approved routes and piglets up to 7 days old — non-compliant use risks residue violations in animal products.
- — Livestock operators must ensure treatment protocols align with updated residue rules — improper administration risks regulatory breaches in food supply.
Who is affected
- — Veterinary practitioners treating food-producing animals
- — Livestock producers and animal husbandry operators
What to watch
- — Effective: 20 days after publication — updated classification applies from entry into force