Screening of veterinary growth-promoting agent and antibacterial residues in beef cattle and broiler meats

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine residues of growth-promoting agents and some antibacterials in beef cattle and broiler meats consumed in Bursa, as well as to evaluate their hazards on public health. A total of 45 meat samples consisting of 36 beef cattle meat and 9 broiler meat samples were collected from supermarkets and butchers between November and December in 2016. The analysis was carried out by biochip array-based immunoassay technique. This system is also currently used for simultaneous detection and quantitation of different anabolics consisting of β-agonists, boldenone, corticosteroids, nandrolone, ractopamine, stanozolol, stilbenes, trenbolone and zeranol, and six group of antimicrobials consisting of quinolones, cephalosporins, amphenicols, aminoglycosides, macrolides and tetracyclines. Although residues of growth-promoting agents could not be detected in any of the samples, antimicrobial residues from all groups were detected in 10 beef cattle meat samples and tetracycline residues were detected in two broiler meat samples at various levels. In conclusion, there is no risk to consumers for growth-promoter residues according to the results. The detected antibacterial levels were generally lower than hazardous concentrations of residue. However, some detected levels for quinolone, amphenicol, macrolide and tetracycline groups in beef meat samples, and detected concentrations for tetracycline group in two broiler meat samples exceeded the maximum residue limits, and could pose a risk for public health.