Tetracyclines

Tetracyclines are broad-spectrum antibiotics often used to treat skin, chest, urethral and pelvic infections in a wide variety of food-producing animals. Concern about the possible occurrence of residues of these drugs in human food has created a need for analytical methods to monitor the presence of these compounds at trace residue levels.

Fera's comprehensive screen includes the following tetracyclines: Chlortetracycline, epi-Chlortetracycline, Doxycycline, Oxytetracycline, epi-Oxytetracycline, Tetracycline and epi-Tetracycline.

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for tetracyclines are defined in Commission Regulation (EU) 37/2010, which applies to all food-producing species. MRLs have been established in eggs, muscle, liver, kidney and milk. Levels set for Chlortetracycline, Oxytetracycline and Tetracycline are defined as the sum of the native compounds and their corresponding epimers. MRLs have also been established in muscle, liver, kidney and fat for Doxycycline. Doxycycline’s corresponding epimer is not considered, as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has deemed it biologically inactive.

The analytical method used at Fera is based on sample extraction using QuEChERS methodology. 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 tetracyclines within your food samples. We provide the evidence required by regulators to verify that levels of tetracyclines 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).

Multi-Residue Option

This test can be purchased as a standalone analysis or as part of our broader veterinary drug multi-residue screen.

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

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.