Multi-residue detection of antibiotics in migratory goat milk and human health risk assessment in Western Himalayan region, India

Abstract

Occurrence of antibiotics in animal sourced foods not only affects economy but also poses potential health risks. The present study aimed to validate simultaneous detection of amoxicillin, penicillin – G and enrofloxacin in raw migratory goat milk (N = 223) by HPLC-DAD and assess human health risks in Western Himalayan region, India. The analytical method was found to be linear (R2 > 0.99), accurate (recoveries > 80 %), precise (RSD < 10 %), and sensitive (CCα, 0.92–1.61 ng/mL) with LOQ values well below the MRLs. Antibiotic residues were detected in 11 (4.9 %) samples, and 9/11 (81.8 %) samples had levels above MRLs. Human health risk assessments based on comparison of estimated daily intakes with acceptable daily intakes of antibiotics revealed that there are no acute health risks to adults and children at current levels of contamination. However, % contribution to ADI for enrofloxacin and penicillin-G were significantly higher in children. Therefore, keeping in view, availability and routine consumption of goat milk especially by families of nomadic pastoralists in Himalayan region, children may be at a greater risk than adults. Hence, the present study highlights the need for monitoring of goat milk for contaminants, and education of nomadic pastoralists to meet food safety standards and for protection of human health.