Vol. 7, Issue 8 (2018)

Author(s):
Kumarswamy NP, Latha C, Vrinda K Menon, Sethukekshmi C and Mercy KA

Abstract:
Antibiotic residues have been recognized as an important threat to food safety ever since they created problems in dairy industry in the form of starter failure. The antibiotic residues in milk are of immense public health significance as they cause adverse health effects in humans. In the present study, the raw milk samples collected from farmer households in Thrissur district were analysed for the presence of antibiotic residues. The samples were subjected to screening by microbial inhibition assay (MIA). The positive samples in MIA were analysed by charm ROSA assay to detect the presence of tetracycline, ß-lactams and enrofloxacin residues at violative levels. The results showed the occurrence of antibiotic residues in 8.48 per cent of samples. Tetracycline, ß-lactams and enrofloxacin residues were detected at violative levels in three, four and three samples respectively. The presence of antibiotic residues clearly indicates misuse of antibiotics and insufficient withdrawal period followed.