Residues

Residue and contaminant monitoring plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of the food supply. When food-producing animals are treated with antibiotics, hormones, anabolics, or other veterinary drugs, traces of these substances may remain in meat, milk, and other animal-derived foods. These residues can present health risks to consumers if levels exceed established safety thresholds. As defined by the BfR, residues are the remains of substances intentionally used during food production, including veterinary medicines and pesticides. To safeguard public health, many countries enforce maximum residue limits (MRLs) and operate national monitoring programs to ensure these substances remain within safe and controlled levels.

A wide range of analytical platforms is available to support the detection of residues in food and feed. Our portfolio includes enzyme immunoassays, microbial inhibition tests, and immunoaffinity columns, all designed to deliver sensitive and reliable results across different sample types. These technologies help manufacturers verify compliance with regulatory limits and strengthen internal quality assurance systems by identifying contamination early in the production chain.

Residues found in food fall into several categories, each with its own characteristics and associated risks.

Antibiotics, for example, are naturally occurring or synthetically produced compounds used to treat bacterial infections in both humans and animals. While essential to modern veterinary practice, their misuse or overuse can lead to residues in animal products. Hormones and anabolic substances also pose significant concerns. These compounds—whether naturally occurring in the animal or synthetically produced—can influence growth rates, feed efficiency, and meat composition. When residues remain in food, they may introduce potential health risks, prompting strict regulation of their use.

Beyond antibiotics and hormones, other veterinary drugs such as fungicides, anthelmintics, corticosteroids, tranquillisers, and coccidiostats can also leave detectable residues. These substances are often necessary for animal health and welfare, yet improper administration or insufficient withdrawal periods can lead to contamination in milk, meat, and eggs. Monitoring these residues is essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of the food chain.

Chemical contaminants represent another concern, often arising from sources unrelated to veterinary treatments. Certain chemicals can migrate into food from packaging materials or processing equipment. Bisphenol A (BPA), used in the production of some plastics, is a well-known example. Because substances like BPA can transfer into food under certain conditions, the European Union and other regulatory authorities have established strict migration limits to protect consumers.

Routine monitoring of residues and contaminants offers numerous advantages. It ensures that food products are safe for consumption and supports manufacturers in meeting regulatory requirements.

This monitoring also strengthens quality assurance programs by preventing contaminated products from entering the market. With the use of advanced analytical systems, producers can accurately detect and quantify a wide range of residues and contaminants, ensuring their products meet high safety and quality standards.

Monitoring residues and contaminants is therefore a critical component of modern food safety management. By adopting sensitive and reliable detection methods, manufacturers can safeguard consumer health, uphold regulatory compliance, and maintain confidence in their food products. This proactive approach supports robust quality control processes, reinforces food safety standards, and helps preserve trust throughout the supply chain.