Antibiotic residue levels

The detection of antibiotic residues is a major issue for food safety, public health, and regulatory compliance. These compounds, used in human and veterinary medicine, as well as in animal production, can persist in food, water, and the environment. Their accumulation poses risks to consumers, particularly through the selection of bacterial resistance and the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

The measurement of antibiotic residues makes it possible to verify the regulatory compliance of food and nutraceutical products, but also to assess water quality or to monitor plant production that may have been exposed to these molecules.

Analytical methods

Several approaches are implemented to ensure sensitive and selective detection:

• ELISA (enzyme immunoassay) : a rapid screening method, suitable for many samples.
• HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) : reliable quantification of the most common antibiotic families.
• LC-MS/MS (tandem mass spectrometry-coupled chromatography) : reference method allowing the simultaneous identification and quantification of many molecules at trace levels.

These techniques can target different groups of antibiotics: tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, sulfonamides, aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, among others.

Affected matrices

Antibiotic residue analysis is performed on a wide variety of matrices, including:

• Animal products : milk, meat, eggs, fish and aquaculture products.
• Processed foods : prepared meals, food supplements, nutraceuticals.
• Plant products : fruits, vegetables, cereals, which may contain residues following the use of organic fertilizers or contaminated water.
• Water : surface water, wastewater or water intended for consumption.

Industrial and regulatory challenges

Monitoring antibiotic residues addresses several imperatives:

• Compliance with maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by European and international legislation.
• Preserving public health by reducing the risk of consuming contaminated products.
• Prevention of antimicrobial resistance , a major issue recognized by the WHO and the EFSA.
• Promoting production channels , which can highlight their compliance and safety within the framework of quality certifications.

Related analyses in the YesWeLab catalog

Antibiotic residue testing is often complemented by other services available in our catalogue:

• Pesticide dosage for overall control of chemical contaminants.
• Determination of heavy metals in foodstuffs and raw materials.
• Mycotoxin testing to monitor natural toxins of fungal origin.
• Microbiological analyses to complement sanitary controls of food and water.

YesWeLab expertise

At YesWeLab, we work with a network of selected laboratories, all ISO 17025 accredited and, in some cases, COFRAC accredited. These partners are chosen for their technical expertise, analytical capabilities, and regulatory compliance. Our role is to guide you toward the method and laboratory best suited to your matrices and requirements.

Since 2020, we have been supporting manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms in managing their analyses by centralizing their needs through our digital platform. This platform simplifies processes, ensures sample tracking, and guarantees the rapid receipt of reliable results.