Roxarsone

Roxarsone is an organic compound used as a feed additive in the poultry industry. It is a derivative of arsenic, and is used to promote growth, kill parasites, and improve meat pigmentation.

History

Roxarsone was first synthesized in the 1960s and has been used in the poultry industry since the 1970s. It was initially developed as a means to control parasites in chickens, but its use has expanded to include promoting growth and improving meat pigmentation.

Use

Roxarsone is typically added to poultry feed in small amounts. It is believed to promote growth by improving feed efficiency and controlling parasites. It also improves the color of meat, making it more appealing to consumers. However, its use has been controversial due to concerns about arsenic contamination in poultry products and the environment.

Health and environmental concerns

Roxarsone is metabolized in the chicken's body and excreted in the feces. This can lead to arsenic contamination of the environment when the chicken manure is used as fertilizer. There are also concerns about the potential for arsenic to accumulate in the meat of chickens fed roxarsone, posing a risk to human health.

In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a study that found higher levels of inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen, in the livers of chickens treated with roxarsone than in untreated chickens. This led to a voluntary suspension of the sale of roxarsone in the United States.

Regulation

The use of roxarsone in poultry feed is regulated in many countries. In the United States, the FDA has not banned the use of roxarsone, but it is not currently being sold. In the European Union, the use of arsenic-based feed additives, including roxarsone, is banned.

See also

• Arsenic
• Poultry farming
• Feed additive
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration