DEPARTMENT OF FOOD PROTECTION

  
The functions of this Department are performed in coordination with the Animal Industry Division of the DGSG in relation to the confirmation and complementary test of the diagnosis made by the Veterinary Inspector at the slaughterhouses and food processing plants, as well as the control of importation of animal origin foods.

The Department includes the Biological Residue, Physical-Chemical Analysis and Microbiology Sections.

Biological Residue Section: Within the National Program of Biological Resiudes, it carries out tests for the detection of anabolic agents, b-blocking agents , heavy metals, antibiotics, plague killers, tirostatics and antiparasiticides as well as the contol of biological residue in milk and dairy products and in honey.

Physical-Chemical Analysis Section: It handles the analysis of nitrates and nitrites, protein, fat, humidity and veification of animal species in order to detect fraud. 

Microbiology Section: It is in charge of making tests for total aerobic count, total and fecal coliforms, E. coli 0157-H7, Slmonella spp, Listeria monocytogenes and other possible pathogens.