Determination of antibacterial residues in raw cattle beef in some selective areas of Mymensingh District during Eid-ul-Adha

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic residue in foods of animal origin is a growing public health concern in recent time. Indiscriminate use of antibacterials in food animal production and ignoring proper withdrawal period may lead to drug residue in milk, beef and eggs. The present study was conducted to detect antibacterial residues in raw cattle beef samples. Methods: One hundred cattle beef samples were collected from four Upazillas of Mymensingh named Gofargaon, Fulpur, Dhobaura and Bhaluka, Bangladesh during the period of Eid-ul-adha in 2018. The residue of two most commonly used antibacterials named oxytetracycline (OTC) and sulphadimidin (SDI) were quantified by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results The mean concentration of OTC and SDI residues in raw beef samples were 0.145 µg/ml and 0.094 µg/ml and the concentration ranged from 0.104-0.435 µg/ml and 0.083-0.357 µg/ml, respectively. About 59% and 43% beef samples contained some levels of OTC and SDI residue, respectively. Importantly, 19% and 12% beef samples exceeded maximum residue limit (MRL) for OTC and SDI, respectively. Conclusions: The results indicate that drug residue is common in raw beef samples and a good proportion of beef samples exceeded MRL. Farmer’s education to ensure rational use of antibacterials and to follow withdrawal period may help control this public health hazards in Bangladesh context.