Macrolides

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

Macrolides are broad-spectrum antibiotics widely used to treat gram-positive bacterial infections in food-producing animals. While effective for disease prevention and animal health, their extensive use across the agri-food sector can increase the risk of consumer exposure to residues.

Macrolide residues may cause physiological effects in humans when consumed at elevated levels. This has created a need for sensitive analytical methods capable of detecting trace concentrations of these compounds in food.

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for individual macrolides are defined in Commission Regulation (EU) 37/2010. Limits are established for muscle, kidney, liver, milk and fat/skin across a range of food-producing species.

This test screens for the following macrolides: 3-O-Acetyltylosin, Erythromycin, Gamithromycin, Josamycin, Lincomycin, Pirlimycin, Spiramycin, Tildipirosin, Tilmicosin, Tulathromycin, Tylosin, Tylvalosin and Virginiamycin.

Fera can analyse poultry, game, red meat, offal, shellfish, fish, eggs, honey and milk for macrolide residues, ensuring that your products do not exceed regulatory limits.

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

As well as being purchasable standalone, this test is also included as part of our multi-residue screen process, which includes a broader range of veterinary residues.

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

Confirmatory Analysis

Confirmatory analysis, where required, will be at the same value as the analysis performed. Fera will contact you beforehand to establish if the additional analysis is required. The delivery time for confirmatory results will be 10 working days from your instruction to proceed.