Occurrence of flunixin residues in bovine milk samples from the USA

Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2013;30(9):1513-6. doi: 10.1080/19440049.2013.803604. Epub 2013 Jun 21.

Abstract

5-Hydroxy-flunixin concentrations in milk samples were quantified by two commercially available screening assays--CHARM® and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA)--to determine whether any concentrations could be detected above the tolerance limit of 2 ng g⁻¹ from different regions in the United States. Milk samples came from large tanker trucks hauling milk to processing plants, and had already been screened for antibiotics. Positive results for flunixin residues based on a screening assay were confirmed by ultra-HPLC with mass spectrometric detection. Of the 500 milk samples analysed in this study, one sample was found to have a 5-hydroxy-flunixin concentration greater than the tolerance limit. The results of this study indicate that flunixin residues in milk are possible. Regulatory agencies should be aware that such residues can occur, and should consider incorporating or expanding flunixin screening tests as part of routine drug monitoring in milk. Larger studies are needed to determine the true prevalence of flunixin residues in milk from other regions in the United States as well as different countries.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / metabolism*
  • Cattle
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Clonixin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Clonixin / analysis
  • Clonixin / metabolism
  • Dairying / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Drug Residues / analysis*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Food Contamination* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Food Handling
  • Food Inspection* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Legislation, Food
  • Milk / chemistry*
  • Milk / standards
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
  • Transportation
  • United States
  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • United States Food and Drug Administration

Substances

  • 5-hydroxyflunixin
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • flunixin
  • Clonixin