Withdrawal Period Calculator — When Milk, Meat & Eggs Are Safe After Treatment
The date and time milk, meat (slaughter) and eggs can be used after the last treatment — from the label withdrawal period, the Indian standard periods, or the EU off-label (cascade) rules.
Results are calculated in your browser. Always double-check before administering and use your clinical judgement.
How it is calculated
Safe from = date and time of the last treatment + withdrawal period.
India: for antibiotics whose label gives no withdrawal period, a standard period applies — at least one week for milk and eggs, 28 days for poultry and meat products, and 500 degree-days for fish [1].
European Union (off-label use, Article 115): meat — the longest label meat period × 1.5, or at least 28 days if the product is not authorised for food-producing animals; milk — the longest label milk period × 1.5, or at least 7 days; eggs — × 1.5, or at least 10 days [2].
The calculator rounds any part day up. If no time is entered, it counts from the end of that day.
Worked example
Last dose 1 Jan 2026 at 08:00, label gives no period (India): milk from 8 Jan 08:00, meat from 29 Jan 08:00.
Frequently asked questions
What is the withdrawal period for milk in India if the label does not give one?
Under the rule 97 amendment, milk from animals treated with an antibiotic that has no label withdrawal period must be held for at least one week; eggs one week and meat 28 days [1].
What withdrawal period applies to off-label (cascade) use in the EU?
The longest label withdrawal period for the food type multiplied by 1.5; if the product is not authorised for food-producing animals, at least 28 days for meat, 7 days for milk and 10 days for eggs [2].
More livestock & farm animals calculators
References
- Health ministry sets timeframe for keeping animals treated with antibiotics out of food chain (Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, rule 97 amendment)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products — Article 115: Withdrawal period for medicinal products used outside the terms of the marketing authorisation
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.