Antibiotic residues: fresh milk from expansion tanks in Alagoas

Milk is a food widely consumed by the population, so it is important that it is produced under appropriate hygienic conditions and free from chemical contaminants of various origins. The objective of this study was to test for antibiotic residues in fresh milk from municipal expansion tanks in the State of Alagoas. 42 milk samples were collected in sterile bottles of approximately 50 mL. These samples were frozen and sent to be subjected to the official analysis methods of the Ministry of Agriculture. In the laboratory, qualitative analysis of multi-residues in different matrices and determination of beta-lactam antibiotic residues in bovine milk by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were performed. In 95.2% (40/42) of the samples analyzed, the presence of antibiotic residues was not detected; however, in two samples (4.8%), the presence of residues was detected, but at levels that could not be quantified. Samples were within the limits established by Brazilian legislation. This study concluded that there were no antibiotic residues at quantifiable levels in the samples analyzed. This study concludes that there were no antibiotic residues at quantifiable levels in the samples analyzed. It is therefore suggested that these antimicrobials be monitored in milk to ensure the absence of these residues and to guarantee a quality product, which is essential for public health.