Antibiotic and veterinary drug residues

Veterinary medicines are used in livestock farming to treat and prevent disease. If withdrawal periods are not observed, residues can remain in meat, milk, eggs or honey. EU law sets maximum residue limits (MRLs) for authorised substances and prohibits certain substances in food-producing animals.

What we test

We test for antibiotic residues from the main classes used in animal production (beta-lactams, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, quinolones, macrolides, amphenicols) and for other veterinary drugs: antiparasitics, coccidiostats and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Typical matrices are meat and meat products, poultry, fish and seafood, milk and dairy products, eggs and honey.

For raw milk, residue control is part of intake checks, alongside composition and hygiene parameters. For honey and imported products, residue testing is often a buyer requirement.

The exact scope (substances, matrices, method and limits of quantification) depends on the product and the purpose of the testing; we will confirm it on request before you send samples.

Regulatory framework

• Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 on pharmacologically active substances and their classification regarding maximum residue limits
• Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products
• Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls

How we work

Tell us the product and the substances or classes you are interested in, and we will confirm what we can determine and under which conditions. Results are issued in a test report. For details and a quotation, contact an ICA R&D representative.