Ampicillin Depletion and Withdrawal Period in Broilers: Tissue Residue Analysis After Intramuscular Administration

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Veterinary Pharmacology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Ampicillin residues in food animals pose risks like allergic reactions and antimicrobial resistance.
• Limited data exists on ampicillin residue behavior in poultry, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the depletion kinetics of ampicillin in broiler chicken muscle and skin plus fat tissues.
• To establish scientifically-backed withdrawal periods for ampicillin in poultry.

Main Methods:

• Broiler chickens received intramuscular ampicillin for three days.
• Samples of muscle and skin plus fat were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
• Residue depletion was assessed following European Medicines Agency guidelines.

Main Results:

• Ampicillin residues were detected in muscle only within the first 24 hours post-administration.
• Residues in skin plus fat remained detectable up to 5 days post-administration.
• Calculated withdrawal periods for skin plus fat were 9 days (EU MRL) and 19 days (method LOQ).

Conclusions:

• This study provides crucial ampicillin residue depletion data in broiler chickens.
• Findings support risk assessments and the establishment of maximum residue limits (MRLs) by regulatory bodies.
• The data aids in ensuring the safety of poultry products for consumers.