Current progress in the detection of adrenergic receptor agonist residues in animal-derived foods

Adrenergic receptor agonists are a class of adrenergic transmitters analogues that can bind and stimulate adrenergic receptors, which always have been illegally used in the animal husbandry since they can promote growth, reduce fat deposition, and improve lean meat rate. Thus, detecting these agonist residues is of great significance to ensure food safety and human health. Here, we proposed a comprehensive and critical review, firstly introducing the typical adrenergic receptor agonists that occurred in animal-derived foods. Then we summarized and discussed the recent residues detection methods including immunoassays, receptor-based assays, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and electrochemical methods. We highlighted the immunoassays due to their merits of simple operation, low cost, and high sensitivity for screening purpose. Lastly, we prospected the future development of adrenergic receptor agonist residues detection method.