Chloramphenicol

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and has historically been widely used to treat infections in humans and animals. Chloramphenicol is prohibited for use in food-producing animals within the European Union (EU) but may still be used in human medicine and in treatments for non-food-producing animals. Chloramphenicol has an established Reference Point for Action (RPA) defined according to Commission Regulation (EU) 2019/1871. As a result, effective due diligence activities should be undertaken.

In addition to its potential occurrence as a residue resulting from the illicit treatment of food-producing animals, Chloramphenicol has also been used in feed and food enzyme products and may occur naturally in plants due to production by the soil bacterium Streptomyces venezuelae. All of these factors can increase consumer exposure to Chloramphenicol.

Fera’s Chloramphenicol methodology also screens for Thiamphenicol (for which Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) have been established for all food-producing species) and Florfenicol (non-amine, unmetabolised).

The analytical method used at Fera is based on sample extraction and testing carried out using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).

Fera’s food safety experts use established, accredited analytical testing methods to detect and quantify Chloramphenicol within your food samples. We provide the evidence required by regulators to verify that levels of Chloramphenicol within your food products are compliant.

Our analytical methods are validated in accordance with the principles set out in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Confirmatory Analysis

Where required, confirmatory analysis will be charged at the same rate as the primary test. We will contact you before proceeding. Results will be delivered within 10 working days of your instruction.