Egg and Meat Withdrawal Information

Egg and Meat Withdrawal Information

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Withdrawal periods are an essential consideration when using medicine or other regulated products in chickens and poultry that produce eggs or meat for human consumption.

This page provides general educational information. It does not establish a withdrawal period for any specific product. Always follow the current product label and instructions from a qualified veterinarian.

What Is a Withdrawal Period?

A withdrawal period is the required amount of time between the final administration of a product and the point when eggs, meat or other animal-derived food may be used for human consumption.

Withdrawal periods are designed to allow residues to decline to acceptable levels before food enters the human food supply.

Egg and Meat Withdrawal Periods Are Different

A product may have separate withdrawal information for eggs and meat. An egg withdrawal period should never be assumed to be the same as a meat withdrawal period.

  • Egg withdrawal: The period during which eggs should not be consumed, sold, donated or used as food.
  • Meat withdrawal: The period between the final product administration and processing a bird for human consumption.

There Is No Universal Withdrawal Time

Withdrawal periods vary according to the exact product and circumstances. A general withdrawal time should not be applied to every medicine or supplement.

The correct interval may depend on:

  • Active ingredient
  • Product concentration
  • Product formulation
  • Bird species
  • Method of administration
  • Amount and frequency used
  • Duration of administration
  • Whether the bird produces eggs or meat
  • Current product labeling
  • Veterinary instructions

Always Read the Current Product Label

Before purchasing or using a product in food-producing poultry, review its current label and package insert.

Look specifically for:

  • Approved or intended species
  • Whether the product is suitable for laying hens
  • Egg withdrawal information
  • Meat withdrawal information
  • Age or production-stage restrictions
  • Warnings concerning animals intended for food
  • Administration and preparation instructions

If website content differs from the current product label, the current product labeling takes priority.

Products Without Egg Withdrawal Information

Do not assume that “no withdrawal information shown” means a zero-day withdrawal period.

If a product does not provide clear information for laying hens or edible eggs, obtain guidance from a qualified veterinarian before use.

Products Labeled for Pet Birds

A product labeled for pigeons, parrots or other pet birds should not automatically be considered suitable for chickens producing eggs or meat.

Pet-bird and food-producing-poultry uses involve different considerations. Confirm suitability and withdrawal information before using any product in a laying hen or meat bird.

When Does the Withdrawal Period Begin?

Unless the applicable product instructions state otherwise, withdrawal is generally calculated from the final administration or final exposure to the product.

If a water-soluble product remains in the drinker, exposure may continue until the prepared water is removed and replaced. Record the actual final administration time carefully.

Eggs During a Withdrawal Period

When an egg withdrawal period applies, eggs produced during that period should not be:

  • Eaten
  • Sold
  • Donated
  • Served to other people
  • Used in food preparation
  • Mixed with eggs intended for consumption

Keep affected eggs clearly separated from eggs intended for food.

Meat During a Withdrawal Period

When a meat withdrawal period applies, the bird should not be processed for human consumption until the complete interval has passed after the final administration.

If the exact end date is uncertain, obtain professional guidance before the bird enters the food supply.

Extra-Label or Unlisted Use

Using a product in a species, production class, amount, frequency, duration or manner not stated on its label may change the appropriate withdrawal interval.

Do not estimate a withdrawal period for an unlisted use. Consult a qualified veterinarian who can evaluate the exact product and circumstances.

Keep Complete Treatment Records

Maintaining accurate records helps prevent eggs or meat from entering the food supply before the applicable withdrawal period has ended.

Your records should include:

  • Bird or flock identification
  • Product name
  • Active ingredient
  • Product concentration
  • Date administration began
  • Date and time of final administration
  • Method of administration
  • Relevant veterinary instructions
  • Egg withdrawal end date
  • Meat withdrawal end date

Simple Withdrawal-Date Example

If the applicable instructions establish a withdrawal interval, calculate it from the final administration according to those instructions. Do not count from the purchase date or the first day the product was used.

When uncertain about how to calculate the final date, ask a qualified veterinarian before using eggs or meat for human consumption.

Mixed Flocks

When treated and untreated birds share the same housing, label or otherwise identify the treated birds and keep accurate records.

If eggs from treated and untreated hens cannot be reliably separated, additional management may be necessary during the withdrawal period.

Changes to a Treatment Program

Changing the product, active ingredient, concentration, administration method, frequency or duration may affect withdrawal considerations.

Reconfirm withdrawal information whenever the treatment program changes.

Supplements and Non-Antibiotic Products

Withdrawal considerations are not limited to products described as antibiotics. Always review the label of dewormers, anticoccidial products, parasite products and other poultry preparations.

Vitamins, electrolytes and nutritional supplements should also be checked for species suitability and any food-production restrictions.

Where to Obtain Product-Specific Information

For product-specific withdrawal information, consult:

Chicken Antibiotics Does Not Assign Withdrawal Times

Chicken Antibiotics is an online retailer and does not independently establish product-specific egg or meat withdrawal periods.

Customer-service representatives can assist with locating information displayed on a product page or label, but they cannot calculate an individualized withdrawal interval or replace veterinary guidance.

Customer Responsibility

Customers purchasing products for food-producing birds are responsible for:

  • Confirming the product is appropriate for the intended poultry species
  • Reviewing current withdrawal information
  • Following label and veterinary instructions
  • Keeping complete administration records
  • Separating affected eggs when necessary
  • Preventing premature use of eggs or meat
  • Obtaining professional guidance when information is unclear

Products for Non-Food Birds

Egg and meat withdrawal periods generally concern birds producing food for human consumption. Products used only in companion birds, racing pigeons or non-food aviary birds may have different labeling and use considerations.

United States Orders Only

Chicken Antibiotics accepts and ships orders only within the United States. Product availability does not remove the customer’s responsibility to confirm suitability for food-producing birds and observe applicable withdrawal information.

Contact Us

For questions about information displayed on a product listing, contact:

Chicken Antibiotics
7134 Village Green Dr
Charlotte, NC 28215
United States

Email: chickenantibiotics@gmail.com

Please include the complete product name, active ingredient, package size and product-page link. Customer service cannot provide an individualized withdrawal interval.