Determination of florfenicol residues in broiler meat and liver samples using RP‐HPLC with UV–visible detection

Abstract BACKGROUND Broilers are vulnerable to various types of microorganisms, including Salmonella , Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus , resulting in multiple infections. Broad‐spectrum antibacterial drugs such as florfenicol ( FF ) are widely used in the treatment of such infections. Suspected residues of these drugs in body tissues of treated birds can be passed to humans through meat consumption and thus lead to serious ill effects on human health. The present study was designed to estimate the presence of FF residues in broiler meat and liver samples. RESULTS The mean residual concentrations of FF in broiler meat and liver samples were 311.42 ± 186.56 and 2585.44 ± 1759.71 µg kg −1 respectively, which are higher than their respective maximum residual limits ( MRLs ). The results showed that 126 and 24 samples were FF ‐positive and FF ‐negative respectively. Of the positive samples, 84 and 42 samples were above and below the MRL respectively. CONCLUSION The results indicate the presence of FF residues in broiler meat and liver samples. Usage of this contaminated meat causes resistance in consumers and poses a public health threat. Thus there is a need to educate farmers about the ill effects of residual drugs on human health and their withdrawal times in poultry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry