Sulfonamides

Fera’s food safety experts use accredited analytical methods to detect and quantify sulfonamide residues across a wide range of food matrices. Our analysis provides clear, defensible evidence to support regulatory compliance and protect consumers.

Sulfonamides are broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat bacterial and protozoal infections in food-producing animals, often in combination with trimethoprim. They are commonly administered for skin, urinary tract and respiratory infections. Their effectiveness and wide application increase the importance of robust residue monitoring.

Residues of veterinary medicines may cause physiological effects in humans when consumed at elevated levels. As a result, sensitive analytical methods are required to detect sulfonamides at trace concentrations in food.

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for sulfonamides are defined in Commission Regulation (EU) 37/2010 for all food-producing species. The residue definition covers the sum of all substances within the sulfonamide group. MRLs are set for muscle, liver, kidney, fat/skin and milk.

This screen includes the following compounds:

Sulfachloropyridazine, Sulfadiazine, Sulfadimethoxine, Sulfadoxine, Sulfaguanidine, Sulfamerazine, Sulfamethazine, Sulfamethizole, Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfamethoxypyridazine, Sulfamonomethoxine, Sulfamoxole, Sulfanilamide, Sulfapyridine, Sulfaquinoxaline, Sulfathiazole, Sulfisoxazol and Trimethoprim.

Fera can analyse a range of sample types including poultry, red meat, game, offal, fish, shellfish, eggs, honey, milk and processed products.

The analytical method is based on sample extraction using QuEChERS methodology, followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Methods are validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Multi-Residue Option

This test is available as a standalone analysis or as part of our broader veterinary medicines multi-residue screen.

See what’s included in our Multi-residue screen (Option 1).

Confirmatory Analysis

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