Oxytetracycline,tetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxycycline in pasteurised cow’s milk commercialised in Brazil

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of tetracycline residues in pasteurised cow’s milk using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV/VIS detection to determine the exposure of Brazilian’s population to antibiotic residues. One hundred samples collected from the State of Paraná, Brazil, were analysed. Three of these samples were contaminated at the following concentrations: 121.8 µg·kg^?1 for oxytetracycline, 93.5 µg·kg^?1 for tetracycline and 134.6 µg·kg^?1 for chlortetracycline (61.6 µg·kg^?1) and doxycycline (73.0 µg·kg^?1). The median tetracycline residue concentration found in the samples was 42.3 µg·kg^?1, and the estimated daily intake (EDI) was 0.05 µg Kg^?1 bw day^?1 in Brazil. These results demonstrate that the occurrence of tetracycline in Brazilian milk was low (3%) and only for 2% above the maximum residue limit, so the risk to the population from the presence of these residues in milk was low (<1% of the acceptable daily intake).     

Investigation of enrofloxacin residues in broiler tissues using ELISA and LC-MS/MS

This study investigated the efficiency of an enrofloxacin ELISA test kit to detect the presence of enrofloxacin residues in broiler tissues compared with LC-MS/MS. Broiler tissues from 72 samples consisting of 60 breast muscle, six pools of livers (500 g each) and six pools of kidneys (500 g each) were obtained from six different slaughterhouses. Breast muscle from 10 carcasses and pools of livers and kidneys from approximately 200 carcasses of the same flock were collected from each slaughterhouse. ELISA and HPLC were used to identify and quantify the contamination of the samples with enrofloxacin. A total of 72% of the analysed samples contained enrofloxacin residues detected by the ELISA and 22.2% were detected by LC-MS/MS. The mean values of enrofloxacin contamination found in chicken breast by ELISA and HPLC were 8.63 and 12.25 μg kg^–1, respectively. None of the samples exceeded the maximum limit of 100 μg kg^–1 by both methods set by the European Union as well as the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry. All positive samples for enrofloxacin residues detected by LC-MS/MS were also positive by ELISA. These data confirm the efficiency of the ELISA test, and suggest its use as a screening method for enrofloxacin residues in poultry tissues due to its quick results, low price and ease of applicability.     

Determinative and confirmatory method for residues of tetracyclines in honey by LC-MS/MS

A limited number of substances are authorised for the treatment of bees. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) are set for tetracyclines in several matrices, but not for honey. Nevertheless, tetracycline antibiotics may be used in order to prevent bacterial diseases and the loss of honey bee populations. In this study, a sensitive multi-residue LC-MS/MS method was developed and optimised for the quantitative and qualitative determination of tetracycline residues in honey. Homogenisation of samples under acidic conditions was performed and solid-phase extraction was carried out. The eluate was evaporated under nitrogen and dissolved in an aqueous methanol solution prior to filtration. A mobile phase composed of acetic acid–water and acetic acid–acetonitrile was used. Separation of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline and doxytetracycline was achieved by using gradient elution on a C18 chromatography column. The analytical method was validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC by the analysis of spiked samples around the recommended concentration of 20 μg kg^?1 by EURL Guidance Paper, December 2007. A matrix effect was observed, so quantification was based on an external matrix calibration curve. Calculated decision limits (CCα) were lower than 10 μg kg^–1 for all tetracyclines. Good linearity, repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility were achieved.     

Simultaneous determination of chloramphenicol,florfenicol and florfenicol amine in ham sausage with a hybrid chemiluminescent immunoassay

A novel chemiluminescent immunoassay utilising two types of primary antibodies (murine monoclonal antibody and rabbit polyclonal antibody) and two types of horseradish peroxidase–labelled secondary antibodies was established for simultaneously detecting multiple amphenicol residues in ham sausage. After combining the extract procedure of the target amphenicol into one simplified method, this hybrid chemiluminescent immunoassay could screen chloramphenicol (CAP), florfenicol (FF) and its metabolite florfenicol amine (FFA) at the same time by adding the corresponding secondary antibody. Ham sausage samples were analysed by using this hybrid immunoassay, with LODs of CAP being 0.01 μg kg^?1, of FF being 2.8 μg kg^?1 and of FFA being 3.0 μg kg^?1. The applicability of the proposed method has been validated by determining CAP, FF and FFA in ham sausage samples with satisfactory results. Good recoveries and high correlation with traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and LC-MS/MS results illustrated that the developed hybrid chemiluminescent immunoassay could screen high-throughput ultra-trace amphenicol residues effectively at one time.     

Distribution of semduramicin in hen eggs and tissues after administration of cross-contaminated feed

Semduramicin is an ionophore coccidiostat used in the poultry industry as a feed additive. Cross-contamination of feeds for non-target animals with semduramicin is unavoidable. However, it is not known whether undesirable residues of semduramicin may occur in food after cross-contaminated feed is administered to animals. The aim of the work was to determine the levels of semduramicin in hen eggs (yolks and albumen) and tissues (liver, muscle, spleen, gizzard, ovarian yolks and ovaries) after administration of feed contaminated with 0.27 mg kg^?1 of this coccidiostat. The residues were determined using LC-MS/MS. The distribution pattern confirmed the high lipophilicity of semduramicin. Residues were found mainly in egg yolks (28.8 µg kg^?1), ovarian yolks (19.5 µg kg^?1) and liver (2.57 µg kg^?1), while hens’ muscle was free from semduramicin (LOD = 0.1 µg kg^?1). Among edible tissues, the maximum level (2 µg kg^?1) was exceeded only in the liver.     

Simultaneous Determination of Multiclass Pesticides and Antibiotics in Honey Samples Based on Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A simple, fast, and efficient method was developed for simultaneous determination of 79 pesticides and 13 antibiotics compounds of different chemical classes of pesticides and antibiotics in honey samples by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The sample preparation procedure includes homogenization with McIlvaine buffer 0.1 mol L^?1 (pH 4), followed by extraction with acetonitrile and cleanup with florisil, using dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE). The proposed method was validated with good results, such as linearity (r ²?>?0.9901), normality, and independence of the evaluated data, as well as recoveries between 70 and 120 % with relative standard deviation (RSD) <20 % for most of the compounds spiked from 0.1 to 200 μg kg^?1. The experimental method limits of detection and quantification were from 0.03 to 1.51 μg kg^?1 and from 0.1 to 5 μg kg^?1, respectively, for the pesticides. For the antibiotics, the decision limits (0.1 to 2 μg g^?1) and the detection capacity (0.12 to 2.81 μg g^?1) were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established for honey by the Brazilian and European legislation. The method was successfully applied to real samples from different botanical and geographic origins. From them, 44 % presented residues from 0.12 to 10 μg kg^?1 of one or more analytes. The proposed method combines the advantages of a quick sample preparation step with the selectivity and sensitivity of the UHPLC-MS/MS and proved to be suitable for routine analyses.     

Simultaneous Determination of Cyadox and Its Metabolites in Chicken Tissues by LC-MS/MS

A specific and sensitive LC-MS/MS method was firstly established for the simultaneous extraction and determination of cyadox and its three main metabolites—1,4-bisdesoxycyadox, 4-desoxycyadox, and quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid—in chicken muscle, liver, kidney, and fat tissues. Samples were subjected to extraction using ethyl acetate and followed by acetonitrile–chloroform (1:4, v/v) and further purified by Oasis mixed mode anion exchange SPE cartridge. Analysis was performed on a C₁₈ column by detection with MS in multiple-reaction monitoring mode. A gradient elution program with 0.1 % formic acid solution, acetonitrile, and 1 % formic acid (adjusted to pH 8 with ammonia) was performed at a flow rate of 0.2 mL min^?1. The correlation coefficients (r) for each calibration curve are higher than 0.99 within the experimental concentration range. The recoveries of the four target analytes at three spiking levels of 2.5, 25 and 250 μg kg^?1 were between 74.5 and 93.8 %, with relative standard deviations less than 12 %. The decision limits (CCαs) of the four analytes in chicken edible tissues ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 μg kg^?1, and the detection capabilities (CCβs) were below 2.3 μg kg^?1. The developed method demonstrated a satisfactory applicability in incurred chicken tissue samples.     

Development of a Competitive Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Screening Phenylethanolamine A Residues in Pork Samples

Phenylethanolamine A (PEA), a new alternative β-agonist, has been illegally used in farming to promote the muscle growth in food-producing animals. In this study, a sensitive and convenient competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ciELISA) was developed for determination of PEA residues in pork samples. The produced antibody was highly specific to PEA and exhibited a negligible cross-reactivity toward some other β-agonists. The developed technique was characterized by the limit of detection below 0.08 μg kg^?1 and the IC₅₀ value of 0.93 pmol mL^?1 (0.32 ng mL^?1). Validation of the technique was done using artificially spiked and naturally contaminated pork samples. The recoveries ranged from 79.6 to 112.6 % for the samples spiked at levels of 0.1–5 μg kg^?1 with the variation coefficients below 15 %. The analysis of naturally contaminated samples showed that the obtained data corresponded with the data obtained by the LC-MS/MS. The developed ciELISA was shown to be a feasible highly sensitive and specific screening tool for PEA residue analysis.     

Validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of sulfonamides,trimethoprim and dapsone in muscle,egg, milk and honey

A quantitative multi-residue method that includes 13 sulfonamides, trimethoprim and dapsone was developed and validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC for muscle, milk egg and honey samples. For all matrices, the same extraction procedure was used. Samples were extracted with an acetone/dichloromethane mixture and cleaned up on aromatic sulfonic acid (SO₃H) SPE cartridges. After elution and concentration steps, analytes were identified and quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Data were acquired according to the multiple reaction-monitoring approach (MRM) and analytes were quantified both by the isotope dilution and the matrix-matched approaches calculating the response factors for the scanned product ions. The developed method shows good linearity, specificity, precision (repeatability and within-laboratory reproducibility), and trueness. Estimated CCβ for sulfonamides ranged between 5.6 and 8.2 µg kg^?1 for eggs, between 11.1 and 69.9 µg kg^?1 for milk, between 64.7 and 87.9 µg kg^?1 for muscle, and between 2.7 and 5.3 µg kg^?1 for honey. CCβ values for dapsone were 3.1, 0.6, 0.7 and 1.5 µg kg^?1 and for trimethoprim were 3.1, 6.7, 81.7 and 3.0 µg kg^?1 calculated for eggs, milk, muscle and honey, respectively. Recovery for all matrices was in the range from 89.1% and 109.7%. In matrix effect testing, no significant deviations were found between different samples of muscle and milk; however, a matrix effect was observed when testing different types of honey. The validation results demonstrate that the method is suitable for routine veterinary drug analysis and confirmation of suspect samples.     

Development and Validation of a Sensitive Indirect Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Screening of Florfenicol and Thiamphenicol in Edible Animal Tissue and Feed

To monitor the illegal use of florfenicol (FF) and thiamphenicol (TAP) in edible animal tissue and feed, a sensitive monoclonal antibody-based indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) has been developed with simple sample preparation and cleanup. The obtained monoclonal antibody (5F4) that has isotype IgG1 showed an IC₅₀ value of 0.21 μg L^?1 for FF and 0.35 μg L^?1 for TAP, respectively. It did not exhibit measurable cross-reactivity with other antibiotics. The limits of detection (LODs) for FF and TAP in a muscle matrix ranged from 0.07 to 0.14 μg kg^?1 and in a feed matrix ranged from 2.9 to 5.2 μg kg^?1. The recoveries were 72.8 to 113.4 % with a coefficient of variation of less than 15 %. Good correlation between the ELISA and HPLC-MS/MS results in the tissues tested demonstrated the reliability of our ic-ELISA. This ELISA is a useful tool for screening FF and TAP in edible animal tissue and feed.     

Use of Factorial Design in the Development of Multiresidue Method for Determination of Pesticide Residues in Wheat by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The evaluation of analytical methods for determining the level of residues and contaminants in food samples is a continuing need. To improve this evaluation, it is necessary to investigate different extraction procedures and conditions. A 2³ factorial design was applied to establish an analytical method for determining pesticide residues in wheat by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Factors that influence the recovery of compounds, such as agitation and different processes of partition and cleanup, were investigated. Extracts were analyzed by LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization in a triple quadrupole system. The use of ultrasonic agitation in the extraction step, deep freezing for the partition step, and C18 cleanup provided significantly better recoveries for most of the compounds evaluated. Assessment of each factor as well as interactions between factors allowed for a more effective evaluation of the parameters involved in the development of analytical methods. The validation results were satisfactory, since the method presented linearity (r ²) >0.99 for all compounds, the matrix effect ranged from 3 to 97 % and was corrected by matrix-matched standards, and recoveries ranged from 70 to 120 % with RSD ≤20 % for the spike levels of 10 and 100 μg kg^?1. The method limit of detection and limit of quantification ranged from 3.3 to 6.7 μg kg^?1 and from 10 to 20 μg kg^?1, respectively, and the expanded uncertainty ranged from 15 to 32 %. The proposed method met the criteria for determination of 42 pesticides in wheat samples and was successfully tested in real samples.     

Analysis of sterigmatocystin in cereals,animal feed,seeds, beer and cheese by immunoaffinity column clean-up and HPLC and LC-MS/MS quantification

A method is reported for the analysis of sterigmatocystin in various food and feed matrices using a commercial sterigmatocystin immunoaffinity column (IAC) for sample clean-up prior to HPLC analysis by UV with mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS/MS). Cereals (wheat, oats, rye, maize and rice), sunflower seeds and animal feed were spiked with sterigmatocystin at levels from 0.75 to 50 µg kg^?1 to establish method performance. Using acetonitrile/water extraction followed by IAC clean-up, and analysis by HPLC with detection at 325 nm, recoveries ranged from 68% to 106%, with repeatability from 4.2% to 17.5%. The limit of quantification with UV detection in these matrices was 1.5 µg kg^?1. For the analysis of beer and cheese the sample preparation prior to IAC clean-up was changed to accommodate the different properties of the matrix, prior to analysis by LC-MS/MS. For beer and cheese spiked at 5.0 µg kg^?1 the recoveries were 94% and 104%, and precision (RSDs) were 1.9% and 2.9% respectively. The limits of quantification by LC-MS/MS in beer and cheese were 0.02 and 0.6 µg kg^?1 respectively. The sterigmatocystin IAC was demonstrated to provide an efficient clean-up of various matrices to enable this mycotoxin to be determined by either HPLC with UV detection or LC-MS/MS.     

Simultaneous Determination of Erythromycin,Tetracycline, and Chloramphenicol Residue in Raw Milk by Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Mixed with Solid-Phase Extraction

A rapid, simple, and efficient method was described for the simultaneous determination of three common antibiotic residues including erythromycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol in raw milk. A molecular imprinting technique combined with solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used to pretreat the test samples and then simultaneously detected with HPLC. The whole process, only including one step of pretreatment, was able to detect the entire target molecule using specific enrichment and analysis method. The detection was verified by comparison with Chinese standard methods of GB/T 22988-2008, GB/T 22990-2008, and GB/T 29688-2013. The testing lines, accuracy, reproducibility, specificity, and recoveries were evaluated, and calculated values were in line with established standards. The recoveries of erythromycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol were 77.82~87.08, 81.02~88.17, and 72.94~83.57%, respectively. By using of this novel solid-phase extraction substrate, the detection limits for erythromycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol were 10, 20, and 10 μg kg^?1, respectively. The method was suitable for routine analysis, and the experimental procedure was simplified, with the detection time greatly reduced. This method showed broad application prospects for the detection of antibiotic residues in raw milk.     

Determination of Antibiotic Residues in Honey by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electronspray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry

The aim of the present study was to develop a rapid and simple method for the detection and quantification of antibiotic and antibacterial residues in honey using liquid chromatography with electronspray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Two different extraction methods were used. The first method uses water and 1% formic acid in acetonitrile for the determination of sulfonamides while the second uses phosphate buffer, 10% trichloroacetic acid, and acetonitrile as the extracting solvent for the determination of tetracyclines, amphenicols, fluoroquinolones, penicillin g, trimethoprim, and tiamulin. The multi-residue method was validated in a thyme honey matrix. Thirty-six different antibiotics and residues from four different families (sulfonamides, tetracyclines, amphenicols, fluoroquinolones) and some individual antibiotics (penicillin g, trimethoprim, and tiamulin) were tested in 20 honey samples originating from Cyprus and Greece. The decision limits (CCα) were from 0.1 to 9.2 μg kg^?1; the detection capabilities (CCβ) were from 0.3 to 27.6 μg kg^?1 while recoveries were from to be between 65.0 and 116.1%. The method was successfully applied to commercial samples from different types of honey from Greece and Cyprus. Among them, oxolonic acid, sulfathiazole, and sulfadimethoxine were found in three honey samples. Finally, proficiency testing was applied to the proposed method while analysis of certified samples showed good method performance characteristics.     

The vertical transmission of antibiotic residues from parent hens to broilers

ABSTRACT

Imprudent and superfluous use of antibiotics contributes to the selection of resistant bacteria, which is a large threat to human health. Therefore analytical procedures have been implemented in the poultry production sector to check if antibiotic treatments are registered, aiming to achieve more prudent use of antibiotics. These methods rely on the analysis of feathers, a matrix in which antibiotic residues persist. However, other routes besides direct administration, through which poultry feathers could contain antibiotic residues, should also be taken into account. In this research the vertical transmission from parent hen to broiler was investigated through a controlled animal study for the antibiotics enrofloxacin, doxycycline and sulfachlorpyridazine. Vertical transmission was observed for all antibiotics to both egg and egg shell. Also it is demonstrated that the transferred antibiotics from parent hen to chick are subsequently excreted via the chick’s droppings. Through this route, the broilers’ environment is contaminated. If eggs are hatched that were taken during treatment of the parent hen, this indirect route and/or the direct vertical transmission can eventually result in the detection of low concentrations of antibiotic residues in the broilers’ feathers at greater age: <50 µg kg^?1 for freely extractable residues and <10 µg kg^?1 for non-freely extractable residues. No antibiotics were detected in the broilers’ muscle or kidney from 4 weeks of age. This research provides relevant information regarding the possible amount of residues originating from vertical transmission when monitoring matrices such as feathers and broiler droppings in order to stimulate correct use and registration of antibiotics in the poultry sector.     

Determination of glyphosate,AMPA, and glufosinate in honey by online solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A simple method was developed for the simultaneous determination of glyphosate, its main degradation product (aminomethylphosphonic acid), and glufosinate in honey. Aqueous honey solutions were derivatised offline prior to direct analysis of the target analytes using online solid-phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Using the developed procedure, accuracies ranging from 95.2% to 105.3% were observed for all analytes at fortification levels of 5, 50, and 150 μg kg^?1 with intra-day precisions ranging from 1.6% to 7.2%. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 1 μg kg^?1 for each analyte. Two hundred honey samples were analysed for the three analytes with AMPA and glyphosate being most frequently detected (99.0% and 98.5% of samples tested, respectively). The concentrations of glyphosate were found to range from <1 to 49.8 μg kg^?1 while those of its degradation product ranged from <1 to 50.1 μg kg^?1. The ratio of glyphosate to AMPA was found to vary significantly amongst the samples where both analytes were present above the LOQ. Glufosinate was detected in 125 of 200 samples up to a maximum concentration of 33.0 μg kg^?1.     

Screening methods for the detection of antibiotic residues in slaughter animals: comparison of the European Union Four-Plate Test,the Nouws Antibiotic Test and the Premi®Test (applied to muscle and kidney)

Microbial growth inhibition tests are widely used as the primary screening approach for the detection of antibiotic residues in slaughter animals. In this study we evaluated and compared the performance of the European Union Four-Plate Test (EU4pt), the Nouws Antibiotic Test (NAT), and a commercial ampoule test, the Premi®Test (applied to both muscle and kidney), by parallel analysis of 735 slaughter animals. The EU4pt only showed significant inhibition with two muscle samples containing 305?µg?kg^?1 doxycycline and 648?µg?kg^?1 tulathromycin, while an maximum residue limit (MRL) violation of 1100?µg?kg^?1 sulfamethazine remained unnoticed. Premi®Test-muscle only detected the sulfamethazine containing sample, all other (1.1%) suspect samples appeared false-positive results. The same test applied to kidney yielded 4.1% suspect samples, while the NAT screening (based on analysis of renal pelvis fluid) showed 4.9% suspect results. The vast majority of these samples contained tetracycline and/or aminoglycoside residues. Premi®Test-kidney appeared to be more sensitive to aminoglycosides than the NAT screening, which failed to detect an MRL violation of 870?µg?kg^?1 gentamicin in kidney. Detection of less than MRL levels of tetracycline residues by the NAT proved its suitability for this residue group. Whether Premi®Test is sufficiently sensitive for accurate tetracycline detection in kidney remains doubtful, although changing over to kidney definitely improved the suitability of Premi®Test for the detection of residues in slaughter animals.     

Occurrence of chloramphenicol in cereal straw in north-western Europe

Two surveys are presented of straw analysed for naturally occurring chloramphenicol (CAP), a drug banned for use in food-producing animals. In the first study, CAP was analysed by LC-MS/MS and detected in 37 out of 105 straw samples originating from the Netherlands, France, the UK, Germany and Denmark. The highest level found was 6.3 µg kg^?1, the average 0.6 µg kg^?1 and the median 0.2 µg kg^?1. The second study included a method comparison between ELISA and LC-MS/MS and a survey of CAP in cereal straw sampled at farms in all areas of Sweden. A total of 215 samples were screened by ELISA and a subset of 26 samples was also analysed by LC-MS/MS. Fifty-four of the samples contained more than 1 µg kg^?1 CAP and the highest level found was 32 µg kg^?1 (confirmed by LC-MS/MS). The highest contents of CAP in this study were allocated to the Baltic sea coast in the south-eastern part of Sweden (the county of Skåne and the Baltic Sea isle of Gotland). These results indicate a high incidence of CAP in straw in north-west Europe and have a severe impact on the enforcement of European Union legislation.     

Determination and surveillance of hydrocortisone and progesterone in livestock products by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A simple analytical method for the determination of hydrocortisone and progesterone in bovine, swine, and chicken muscle and eggs was developed. Hydrocortisone and progesterone were extracted with acetonitrile and subsequently cleaned-up using an Oasis^® HLB mini-cartridge. The method was validated in accordance with Japanese guidelines and exhibited trueness from 86.6% to 104.3% and precision (relative standard deviations (RSDs) of repeatability and within reproducibility were under 8.7% and 11.7%, respectively). The method was applied to 103 bovine muscle, 137 swine muscle, 69 chicken muscle and 52 egg samples that were commercially available in Tokyo, Japan. The hydrocortisone concentration was 0.9–41.2 µg kg^?1 in all bovine muscle samples, with an average of 7.7 µg kg^?1 and a median of 6.2 µg kg^?1. The progesterone concentration in 50 samples exceeded the limit of quantification (LOQ) and reached a maximum of 95.4 µg kg^?1. Hydrocortisone was also detected in all swine muscle samples at concentrations of 2.0–56.0 µg kg^?1. Its average and median concentrations amounted to 13.1 and 11.3 µg kg^?1, respectively. Twenty-three samples contained progesterone levels surpassing the LOQ, with a maximum concentration of 107.0 µg kg^?1. No chicken muscle samples contained any of the analytes. The progesterone concentration was 15.5–200.0 µg kg^?1 in all egg samples, with an average of 95.4 µg kg^?1 and a median of 90.5 µg kg^?1.