Levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in food of animal origin in the Netherlands during the period 2001–2011

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess levels of dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (DL-PCBs) in food of animal origin produced in the Netherlands, including potential trends in time. Test results from about 2500 samples of animal derived food products (beef, veal, lamb, chicken, pork, deer, milk and eggs), sampled for the National Residue Monitoring Plan from 2001–2011, were evaluated. Most samples were screened with a bioassay and, if suspected, analysed by GC-HRMS. The fraction of samples which were non-compliant with European maximum levels was rather low, being below 1% for most food products, except for lamb. Exceedance of action levels was particularly observed for lamb and beef. To obtain an insight into background levels, a randomly taken part of the samples was directly analysed by GC-HRMS. In general, only minor decreases in mean PCDD/F and DL-PCB concentrations could be observed for the period 2001–2011. This may be due to a plateauing of current background levels but also to factors like the sensitivity of the analytical method.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in US meat and poultry: 2012–13 levels,trends and estimated consumer exposures

ABSTRACT

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardants whose use has contaminated foods and caused subsequent human exposures. To address the issue of possible human exposure, samples from a 2012–13 US meat and poultry (beef, pork, chicken, turkey) study were analysed for seven PBDEs. The mean summed concentrations of the seven BDE congeners (ΣPBDE) from beef, pork, chicken and turkey were 0.40, 0.36, 0.19, and 0.76 ng g^–1 lipid weight (lw). The range of ΣPBDEs for all meat classes was 0.01–15.78 ng g^–1 lw. A comparison of this study with a 2007–08 study revealed a decline in the median ΣPBDEs for all four meat classes, a reduction of 25.9% to 70.0%, with pork, chicken and turkey PBDE residues being statistically lower relative to the 2007–08 study. BDEs 47 and 99 contributed the most to the ΣPBDE concentrations, indicating likely animal exposures to the penta-BDE formulation. Based on the reported data an estimate of US consumer daily intake of PBDEs from meat and poultry was 6.42 ng day^–1.     

Residue study of nitroimidazoles depletion in chicken feathers in comparison with some other selected matrixes

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the results from a residue study conducted on a statistically representative number of chicken broilers that were individually orally treated with the selected nitroimidazoles (metronidazole, ornidazole and ipronidazole) in an appropriate amount close to the theoretical therapeutic dose. A mutual persistence comparison of the monitored analytes in feathers, serum, muscle and shanks was performed and attention was also paid to selected metabolites (hydroxymetronidazole and hydroxyipronidazole). An analytical LC/MS/MS method using SupelMIP SPE nitroimidazoles cartridges was developed for the determination of nitroimidazoles residues in poultry feathers, serum, muscle and shanks and the method was validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. High concentrations of nitroimidazoles residues in feathers were observed 19 days after the broilers’ treatment unlike the muscle and serum samples, where nitroimidazoles depletion was significantly faster (residue concentrations were below detection limits in 5 days in muscle and in 12 days in serum). Shanks (chicken claws) also proved to be a very useful matrix for the detection of nitroimidazoles drugs misuse due to the longer persistence of these drugs residues and their metabolites in this matrix (determinable concentrations were observed 19 days after the broilers’ last treatment). Feathers and shanks appear to be suitable matrixes for the screening of various nitroimidazoles in poultry because long-term persistence of residues enables reliable detection of the illegal use of nitroimidazoles compounds in official checks.     

Persistence of α-cypermethrin residues in milk of lactating donkeys (Equus asinus) using UHPLC-MS/MS

The aim of this study was to measure the persistence of residues of the pyrethroid insecticide α-cypermethrin (ACYP) in the milk of lactating donkeys following pour-on treatment. Milk was collected from animals (n = 7) before the treatment and at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 h post-treatment. The last sampling was taken 7 days post-treatment (168 h). Milk samples were analysed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The analytical method was validated following requirements of Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. All samples showed levels of ACYP below the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 20 μg kg^?1 established for bovine milk (Commission Regulation (EU) No. 37/2010). The results demonstrate that there is minimal partitioning of ACYP into milk in lactating donkeys from pour-on treatment.     

Assessing the depletion of lincomycin in feathers from treated broiler chickens: a comparison with the concentration of its residues in edible tissues

ABSTRACT

Lincomycin is the first antimicrobial agent described for the lincosamide class and it is commonly used for the treatment of infectious enteric and respiratory diseases in poultry. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) in edible tissues have been established for this antimicrobial, however, no regulation has been proposed yet for by-products that are not intended for direct human consumption. Feathers are a by-product from poultry farming that might be used as an ingredient for diets fed to other farm animal species. The presence of antimicrobial residues in them is not monitored in spite of the fact that several studies have proved that they can persist in feathers. Currently though, no evidence has been presented regarding the behaviour of lincomycin in this matrix. Hence, this work intended to assess the depletion of lincomycin residues in feathers of birds treated with therapeutic doses and compare them with those detected in muscle and liver samples. Samples were collected for several days after ceasing treatment from a group of broiler chickens treated with a 25% lincomycin formulation. Methanol and Florisil® columns were used to extract and retain the analyte, and samples were analysed using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (API 5500, AB SCIEX?). On day 1 after ceasing treatment, average concentrations of lincomycin detected in feather samples reached up to 8582 μg kg^?1 and by day 16, these had only declined by 63%, to an average of 3138 μg kg^?1. Lincomycin residues were detected in feathers at every sampling point, even after they were not detectable in edible tissues. Depletion time was 98 days for feathers, considering the LOQ established for the methodology as cut-off value for the calculations. Data showed that lincomycin is highly persistent in feathers, which may result in this matrix becoming a re-entry route for its residues into the food chain.     

Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry multi-residual analysis of contaminants in Italian honey samples

ABSTRACT

Contaminants belonging to various classes, including polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), pyrethroid insecticides (PYRs), fungicides (Fs), herbicides (Hs), synergists (SYNs) and insect growth regulators (IGRs) were analysed simultaneously in honey samples using a new simultaneous, easy and rapid method based on a liquid–liquid extraction with a mixture of n-hexane and ethyl acetate. It allowed recoveries in the range 80–137%, with limits of detection (LODs) between 0.10 and 5.21 ng g^–1, showing a good sensitivity and accuracy. All the analysed Italian honeys showed the presence of residues of OPPs; PAHs were in 46.8% of the samples and PCBs were always below the LODs; 53.2% of the samples were contaminated by OCPs, PYRs, SYNs and IGRs. In addition, 46.8% of the samples exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the European Community in honey for chlorfenvinphos (cis + trans), TPP, γ-HCH, tebuconazole, coumaphos and τ-fluvalinate (cis + trans).     

Investigation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids including their respective N-oxides in selected food products available in Hong Kong by liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry

ABSTRACT

This study determined the levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), including their respective N-oxides, in foodstuffs available in Hong Kong by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 234 samples (48 food items) were collected randomly from a local market and analysed. About 50% of samples were found to contain detectable amount of PAs. Amongst the 48 food items, PAs were not detected in 11 food items, including barley flour, beef, cattle liver, pork, pig liver, chicken meat, chicken liver, milk, non-fermented tea, Melissa tea and linden tea. For those found to contain detectable PAs, the summed PA content ranged up to 11,000 µg kg^?1. The highest sum of PA content among the 37 food items calculated with lower bound was cumin seed, then followed by oregano, tarragon and herbs de Provence with ranges of 2.5–11,000, 1.5–5100, 8.0–3300 and 18–1300 µg kg^?1 respectively. Among the samples, the highest sum of PA content was detected in a cumin seed sample (11,000 µg kg^?1), followed by an oregano (5100 µg kg^?1), a tarragon (3300 µg kg^?1) and a herbs de Provence (1300 µg kg^?1). In general, the results of this study agreed well with other published results in peer-reviewed journals, except that the total PAs in honey and specific tea infusion in this study were comparatively lower.     

Occurrence of melamine contamination in powder and liquid milk in market of Iran

Melamine contamination is known as a significant health risk and seriously considered by scientists worldwide. Cyanuric acid is one of the melamine by-products that contribute to its renal toxicity via the formation of melamine cyanurate crystals in the kidney. Therefore, co-determination of melamine and cyanuric acid in both powder and liquid milk samples has grown significantly throughout the world. High-performance LC with ultraviolet detection has been used as a simple and rapid method for the determination of melamine and cyanuric acid in powder and liquid milk samples and the results confirmed by using LC-MS/MS. In this study, nine powder milk and five liquid milk samples from different brands available in Iranian markets were chosen randomly and analysed. SPE column was used to clean up the samples. The results showed that except one brand of milk powder and liquid milk, all other samples were contaminated with melamine in the range of 1.50–30.32?μg/g for milk powder and 0.11–1.48?μg/mL for liquid milk. No cyanuric acid was detected in milk powder or liquid milk samples, which reduces the risk of melamine toxicity for consumers.     

Acrylamide levels in Finnish foodstuffs analysed with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Sample clean-up and HPLC with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS/MS) was validated for the routine analysis of acrylamide in various foodstuffs. The method used proved to be reliable and the detection limit for routine monitoring was sensitive enough for foods and drinks (38 microg/kg for foods and 5 microg/L for drinks). The RSDs for repeatability and day-to-day variation were below 15% in all food matrices. Two hundred and one samples which included more than 30 different types of food and foods manufactured and prepared in various ways were analysed. The main types of food analysed were potato and cereal-based foods, processed foods (pizza, minced beef meat, meat balls, chicken nuggets, potato-ham casserole and fried bacon) and coffee. Acrylamide was detected at levels, ranging from nondetectable to 1480 microg/kg level in solid food, with crisp bread exhibiting the highest levels. In drinks, the highest value (29 microg/L) was found in regular coffee drinks.     

HIGH PREVALENCE OF EXTENDED-SPECTRUM β-LACTAMASES ESCHERICHIA COLI AND VANCOMYCIN-RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCI ISOLATES FROM CHICKEN PRODUCTS. A PROBLEM OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Twenty-nine chicken products were acquired from different supermarkets in Portugal during September to December 2007 and were analyzed for extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) Escherichia coli and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Cefotaxime-resistant E. coli isolates were recovered in 27 of 29 chicken samples representing 93% of the analyzed samples. The highest percentages of resistance (more than 50% of the isolates) were detected for ampicillin, nalidixic acid and tetracycline. VRE isolates were detected in 17 of 29 samples of chicken origin (59%) and were identified as Enterococcus durans (n  =  15) and E. faecium (n = 2) with the highest percentages of resistance being detected for erythromycin, tetracycline, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Seven E. durans and the two E. faecium isolates recovered from chicken wings, gizzard and skin show gelatinase activity.
The high rate of colonization of chicken products by these bacteria supports other studies suggesting that the food chain could be a source of ESBL and VRE colonization in humans representing a public health problem.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The data indicate that chicken products may be contaminated with a high prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases Escherichia coli and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). It is important to mention that the isolates present a diversity of phenotypes of antimicrobial resistance, and half of the VRE isolates show also gelatinase activity, indicating that these animals may be a reservoir of bacteria showing virulence and increased resistance to antimicrobial agents, raising special concerns about their transmission to humans through the food chain.     

Incidence of Listeria in Egyptian meat and dairy samples

A total of 180 food samples including meat (raw lean beef, frozen lean beef, and frozen chicken) and dairy products (raw milk, Zabady and Kareesh cheese) were analysed for Listeria. Isolates were differentiated using morphological, cultural, and biochemical tests and an API-Listeria kit. Zabady cheese was completely free of Listeria. The highest incidence rate (13.33%) was in frozen lean beef. Raw lean beef and milk products showed an incidence rate of 6.67%. The lowest incidence rate (3.33%) was in Kareesh cheese and frozen chicken meat samples. L. monocytogenes showed the lowest incidence rate (0.55%), isolated from one frozen lean beef sample. L. ivanovii and L. grayi showed the highest incidence rate (2.22%), isolated from 4 samples. L. innocua and L. seeligeri were positive in 3 samples (1.67%), and L. welshimeri in 2 samples (1.11%). L. monocytogenes and L. ivanovii were positive for virulence factors (hemolytic properties, and extracellular enzyme activities).     

PREVALENCE OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESIDUES IN MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS IN THE STATE OF KUWAIT

ABSTRACT

Approximately, 1,000 locally produced and imported milk and dairy product samples were collected at different seasonal periods from different farms and retail outlets in Kuwait, and screened for the presence of four antimicrobial residues (beta‐lactams, tetracyclines sulfonamides and chloramphenicol) using Charm II system. Results indicated that 29.1% of the analyzed local fresh milk samples were above the maximum residue level (MRL) for tested residues with tetracycline as predominant residue. The prevalence of antimicrobial residues in imported pasteurized milk samples (5.4%) was higher than that of local pasteurized milk samples (3.4%). No residues were detected in powdered and condensed milk samples imported from the European Union (EU) countries with the exception of tetracyclines. Results also showed that 9.4% of the analyzed imported cheese samples were above the MRL for tested residues, while tested ice cream samples were negative for antimicrobial residues. The significant presence of antimicrobial residues, particularly chloramphenicol, in raw and pasteurized milk, clearly implies the misuse of antimicrobial drugs in animal farms in Kuwait and neighboring countries, and implies the need for stricter regulations on antimicrobial drug usage in the dairy industry.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This article addresses the generation of a baseline data on the current presence of four antimicrobial residues in locally produced and imported milk and dairy products in the state of Kuwait. The outcome of this study will provide valuable baseline information for local governmental authorities for effective monitoring for the use and misuse of agricultural antimicrobial drugs. Such data will also be important for other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, because such countries share similar farming practices and import comparable foodstuffs.

     

广佛地区动物源性食品中源性成分和氯霉素残留监测结果分析

目的 为了保障食品安全和维护消费者合法权益 ,对广佛地区销售食品的动物源性成分和氯霉素残留进行分析。方法 本研究根据现行标准分析市场中60份牛肉、猪肉、鸡肉及其制品中牛、猪、鸡、鸭源性成分和氯霉素残留。 结果 共检出14份掺假样品,总掺假率为23.33% 。掺假情况主要 集中在牛肉和肉糜制品中。有一份样品检出氯霉素,残留量为0.556 μg/kg。按采样场所来看,产品质量和购买场所有一定相关性。结论 动物源性食品掺假现象在广佛地区较为严重,氯霉素残留也存在一定程度非法添加。进一步开展动物源性食品源性成分和兽药残留检验对食品安全具有重要意义。     

Comparison of ELISA and PCR vis-à-vis cultural methods for detecting Aeromonas spp. in foods of animal origin

The present study was conducted to assess the best method of the most commonly used methods for detection of aeromonads in foods of animal origin. With this objective an OMP based indirect plate ELISA and a duplex-PCR using primers targeting aerolysin gene and 16S rRNA gene and yielding amplicons of 252 bp and 599 bp, respectively, were standardized. The standardized protocols and the conventional cultural method were then compared for their respective sensitivities and specificities for detecting aeromonads from chicken and milk samples. Both the standardized assays were found to be highly specific for Aeromonas. The efficiency of the standardized indirect-ELISA and duplex-PCR protocols was assessed by artificial inoculation studies with varying concentrations of Aeromonas cells inoculated in chicken and milk samples followed by enrichment in Alkaline Peptone Water supplemented with 10 mg/ml cephalothin (APW-C) for 12 h. The results revealed that indirect-ELISA was able to detect a minimum of 10(3) cells/ml or g of Aeromonas cells in spiked milk and chicken samples, respectively. Whereas, duplex-PCR and cultural method were able to detect as low as 1 cell/ml or g of Aeromonas cells in spiked milk and chicken samples. The developed assays were also tested for their efficiency to detect Aeromonas spp. in naturally contaminated milk and chicken samples. Out of a total 50 milk samples screened for presence of Aeromonas by the three methods viz., indirect-ELISA, duplex-PCR and cultural method only 1 (2%) turned out to be positive showing positive results by all three methods. Similarly, 50 samples of chicken were tested by all three methods. Three samples (6%) turned out to be positive and here again by all the three methods.     

Pesticide residues in foodstuffs in Great Britain. II. Persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in selected foods

Residue measurements for persistent organochlorine pesticides in milk, butter, corned beef, beef fat and mutton fat, produced in or imported into Britain in 1963 and 1964 are reported. The levels in mutton fat are compared with levels found earlier; only very low residues are found in most other produce examined though some butter samples contain up to 0·1 ppm of DDT and 0·4 ppm of total DDT equivalent. Levels in the fat of grass and store-fed animals were indistinguishable; results for milk suggest that the diet of cows in Britain contains very little γ-BHC or dieldrin.     

Determination of 66 pesticide residues in livestock products using QuEChERS and GC–MS/MS

Food Science and Biotechnology - Determinations of 66 pesticide residues in different matrices including beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and milk were conducted using GC–MS/MS combined with the...     

PREVALENCE OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESIDUES IN PREPROCESSED AND PROCESSED COWS' MILK IN TRINIDAD

The prevalences of antimicrobial residues were determined in cows' bulk raw milk from 16 collection centers, in pasteurized milk obtained from sale outlets, and in raw, pasteurized and sterilized milk in the processing line of a plant in Trinidad. The Delvotest SP 5 Pack test kits were used to detect the antimicrobial residues in milk. Thirty-one (10.3%) of 300 bulk milk samples contained antimicrobial residues with penicillin responsible for 90.3% of all the positive samples which originated from 8 (50.0%) of the 16 collection centers. The prevalence of residues in pasteurized milk was 21.3% compared to 8.3% detected in sterilized milk. The difference was not statistically significant (P ± 0.05; X²). Pasteurized milk obtained from sale outlets but originating from two other processing plants had antimicrobial residue prevalence of 0% and 8.3%, respectively. It is concluded that the presence of antimicrobial residues in raw and processed milk in Trinidad could be of public health and economic significance .     

Anthelmintic drug residues in beef: UPLC-MS/MS method validation,European retail beef survey,and associated exposure and risk assessments

Anthelmintic drugs are widely used to control parasitic infections in cattle. The ProSafeBeef project addressed the need for data on the exposure of European consumers of beef to potentially harmful drug residues. A novel analytical method based on matrix solid-phase dispersive extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was validated for 37 anthelmintic drugs and metabolites in muscle (assay decision limits, CCα,?=?0.15–10.2?µg?kg^?1). Seven European countries (France, Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Italy, Belgium and Portugal) participated in a survey of retail beef purchased in local shops. Of 1061 beef samples analysed, 26 (2.45%) contained detectable residues of anthelmintic drugs (0.2–171?µg?kg^?1), none above its European Union maximum residue limit (MRL) or action level. Residues detected included closantel, levamisole, doramectin, eprinomectin, moxidectin, ivermectin, albendazole and rafoxanide. In a risk assessment applied to mean residue concentrations across all samples, observed residues accounted for less than 0.1% of the MRL for each compound. An exposure assessment based on the consumption of meat at the 99th percentile of consumption of adults in 14 European countries demonstrated that beef accounted for less than 0.02% of the acceptable daily intake for each compound in each country. This study is the first of its kind to apply such a risk-based approach to an extensive multi-residue survey of veterinary drug residues in food. It has demonstrated that the risk of exposure of the European consumer to anthelmintic drug residues in beef is negligible, indicating that regulation and monitoring is having the desired effect of limiting residues to non-hazardous concentrations.     

Antibiotic residues in milk from small dairy farms in rural Peru

The use of antibiotics in livestock can pose a public health threat, especially if antibiotic residues remain in the food product. Understanding how often and why farmers sell products with antibiotic residues is critical to improving the quality of these products. To understand how often milk with antibiotic residues is sold on small farms in a major dairy-producing region of Peru and identify factors associated with selling milk with antibiotic residues, we tested milk samples for antibiotic residues from every provider on three routes of commercial milk companies and from bulk tanks of farmers currently treating cows with antibiotics. We also asked farmers if they sold milk from treated cows and examined factors associated with the tendency to do so. The prevalence of milk contamination with antibiotic residues on commercial routes was low (0–4.2%); however, 33/36 farmers treating their animals with antibiotics sold milk that tested positive for antibiotic residues. The self-reported sale of milk from treated cows had a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 75.8%, 100%, 100% and 27.2%, respectively (with testing of milk for residues as the gold standard). Finally, 69/156 randomly selected farmers reported selling milk from treated cows, and farmers’ knowledge of antibiotics and the milk purchaser were significantly associated with a farmer’s tendency to report doing so. Educating farmers on the risks associated with antibiotics and enforcement of penalties for selling contaminated milk by milk companies are needed to improve milk quality.     

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter isolated from retail raw chicken and beef meat, Tehran, Iran

Campylobacter spp. is a leading cause of human diarrhea. The common source of infection is contaminated food, particularly poultry. The veterinary use of antimicrobial drugs has been suggested to be largely responsible for resistance in human isolates of this zoonotic pathogen. From April to October 2004, 241 samples of chicken and beef meat for sale in retail outlets in Tehran (Iran) were analyzed for the presence of Campylobacter. Totally, 88 (36.5%) Campylobacter strains were isolated. Campylobacter was isolated from a significantly larger number of chicken (63%) than beef (10%) meat (P < 0.0001). Susceptibilities of 72 strains were determined for eight antimicrobial drugs using the disk diffusion assay. Resistance to nalidixic acid was the most common finding (75%), followed by resistance to ciprofloxacin (69.4%), tetracycline (45.8%), amoxicillin (11.1%), streptomycin (4.2%), chloramphenicol (2.8%) and gentamicin (1.4%). None of the isolates was resistant to erythromycin. Multidrug resistance was seen in 75% of the Campylobacter strains.