Chloramphenicol Contamination in Milk: Measurement, Methods, and Regulatory: A Systematic Review

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with applications in human and veterinary medicine. However, due to its severe adverse effects, including fatal aplastic anemia, its use in food-producing animals has been banned in many countries. Despite these regulations, CAP residues have been detected in milk, raising concerns about food safety and regulatory compliance. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the presence of CAP in milk, detection methods, and regulatory limits. A comprehensive literature search identified 918 studies, of which 27 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies primarily focused on analytical methodologies for CAP detection in milk samples, with techniques such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) being the most commonly employed. LC-MS/MS demonstrated the highest sensitivity and accuracy. While 55.5% of studies reported no CAP detection, others indicated varying levels, with some exceeding regulatory limits. The findings highlight the ongoing challenge of CAP contamination in milk and the necessity for stringent monitoring and regulatory enforcement. Further research is needed to improve detection capabilities and assess the public health risks associated with CAP residues in dairy products.