Some test methods have been developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of different veterinary drug residues in honey. For example, honey samples are dissolved with the disodium salt dihydrate and veterinary residues are extracted from the residue formed by solid phase extraction using strongly hydrophilic, water-wettable polymer cartridges. Separation and detection are accomplished by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry using an electrospray ionization source in positive mode. This method was validated and mean recoveries were evaluated at three concentration levels ranging from 70 to 120 percent excluding doxycycline, erythromycin and tilmicosine. More than 50 percent recovery has been achieved at these three levels.
In European Union countries, recommended minimum concentrations have been published for analytical performance of methods to control a particular set of undesirable chemicals in honey. However, despite the strategy to control antibiotic residues in honey, there is still a great need for an inexpensive and single multi-residue method. In this regard, Biochip array technology is an innovative assay technology for multi-analyte screening of biological samples in a fast and easy-to-use format.
The use of antibiotics to combat bacterial and fungal honeybee diseases has been controlled since the 1940s. Although some antibiotics are currently allowed in beekeeping in some countries, there are only a few regulations that provide maximum residue limits in honey. That's why remnants of banned antibiotics are still found around the world. Therefore, reliable analytical methods capable of detecting concentrations in a few parts per billion are needed.
The worldwide standard Codex Alimentarius has not set any maximum residue limit for antibiotics in honey. Whereas Codex Alimentarius was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop international food standards that protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade. Similarly, no tolerance has been established for antibiotics in honey in the USA.
Our organization also provides pharmaceutical and veterinary residue analysis services in honey, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.
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