Microbiological and hplc assays for detection of tetracycline residues in chicken meat

Antibiotics are used for control of infectious diseases, promote growth and increase feed efficiency in chickens. Incorrect use of these drugs are practiced deposits the presence of some residue in the products. Microbiological assay are generally used for residue screening as part of an integrated system with follow-up confirmatory analysis of suspicious samples. This research highlights the importance and existence of antibiotics residue in poultry meat. Eighty seven chicken meat samples were collected from different poultry slaughter houses and marketing centers in Khartoum State, Sudan. Samples were screened for the presence of residues of tetracycline by microbiological assay. Positive results were identified and confirmed by using HPLC. The results showed that more than 5% of the meat samples had noticeable antibiotic residues. Residues level quantified between 150 to 500 μg/kg of oxtetracycline drugs. Result are relevant as they indicated that antibiotics may be improperly used by producers, and that there is a strong need for heightened surveillance through regular mandatory testing of chickens sold for human consumption.