Pfizer will voluntarily suspend sale of animal drug 3-Nitro
The move follows a recent FDA study of 100 broiler chickens that when tested showed inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen, at higher levels in the livers of chickens treated with 3-Nitro compared with untreated chickens. FDA officials stress that the levels of inorganic arsenic detected were very low, and that continuing to eat chicken while 3-Nitro is suspended from the market does not pose a health risk.
“FDA detected increased levels of inorganic arsenic in the livers of chickens treated with 3-Nitro, raising concerns of a very low but completely avoidable exposure to a carcinogen,” says Michael R. Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner for foods. “We are pleased to announce that the company is cooperating with us to protect the public health.”