5 - Detecting veterinary drug residues in feed and cattle

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of veterinary drug residue issues and the general analytical techniques used for their detection in animal food tissues and feed. The regulation of drug residues in animal-derived foods is an integral component of food safety programs worldwide. Furthermore, since animal drugs are often administered through feed, formulation requirements and proper labeling must be upheld to promote lawful production, marketing, and use of the feed product. Analytical methods to monitor veterinary pharmaceuticals in feed and their residues in animal tissues are essential to help protect human and animal health, reduce impact on the environment, support the enforcement of laws and regulations (including labeling requirements, such as feed ingredients and certified organic foods), monitor consumer exposure to the drugs, and facilitate international trade of animal food products. Most veterinary drugs are not of acute toxicological concern, but some substances, such as nitrofurans, chloramphenicol, diethylstilbestrol, and clenbuterol, have been banned in most developed countries due to their demonstrated carcinogenicity. A percentage of humans can have severe allergic reactions to antibiotics, such as penicillin, which is an important reason for setting maximum residue (or tolerance) concentrations in edible animal tissues. Another important justification for limiting antibiotic usage is to reduce the risk of pathogenic microorganisms becoming antibiotic-resistant. Concern about endocrine-disrupting effects has become another reason to regulate certain veterinary drug residues in food and feed. The chapter briefly describes the issues pertaining to animal drug usage on cattle and highlights the analytical methods used for their detection in feed and bovine tissues. It also describes new detection methods that are expected to impact current monitoring programs for screening, quantitation, and identification of drugs in food and feed.