RESUMO
Oxfendazole, methyl-5 (6)-phenylsulfinyl-2-benzimidazole carbamate, is a member of the benzimidazole family of anthelmintics. Anthelmintic benzimidazoles are widely used in meat producing animals (cattle, sheep and pigs) for control of endoparasites. The extensive use of veterinary drugs in food-producing animals can cause the presence of small quantities of the drug residues in food. Maximum residue limit or "MRL" means the maximum concentration of residue resulting from the use of a veterinary medicinal product which may be legally permitted recognized as acceptable in food. The FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (1999) evaluations of toxicological and residue data, reported that oxfendazole (MRL) has toxicological hazards on human health. The toxicity of oxfendazole (MRL) was tested in male and female mice and their fetuses. Chromosomal aberrations, teratological examination and biochemical analysis were the parameters used in this study. The results show that oxfendazole MRL induced a mutagenic effect in all tested cell types. Also, oxfendazole exhibit embryotoxicity including teratogenicity. The biochemical results show that oxfendazole induced a disturbance in the different biochemical contents of all tested tissues. So, we must increase the attention paid to the potential risk of oxfendazole residues in human beings and should stress the need for careful control to ensure adherence to the prescribed withdrawal time of this drug.