Nitroimidazole

Nitroimidazoles are a group of drugs with both antiprotozoal and antibacterial activity and have been used, for example, to control histomoniasis (a protozoal infection) in poultry. Within the EU, they are prohibited for use as veterinary medicines. The marker residues monitored are considered to be the hydroxy metabolites where applicable.

This screen includes the following nitroimidazoles: Dimetridazole, Hydroxydimetridazole, Ipronidazole, Hydroxyipronidazole, Metronidazole, Hydroxymetronidazole and Ronidazole. Testing can be undertaken in a wide variety of matrices including poultry, eggs, aquaculture products, milk, casings and water.

No Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) are defined in Commission Regulation (EU) 37/2010 for nitroimidazoles due to the risk they pose to human health. There is, however, guidance on Minimum Method Performance Requirements (MMPRs) for these compounds and their hydroxy metabolites.

The analytical method used at Fera is based on sample extraction using QuEChERS methodology with an additional solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up step. Testing is then 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 nitroimidazole residues within your food samples. We provide the evidence required by regulators to verify that levels of nitroimidazole residues 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 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.