Occurrence of flunixin residues in bovine milk samples from the USA

Abstract

5-Hydroxy-flunixin concentrations in milk samples were quantified by two commercially available screening assays – CHARM^® and enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA) – to determine whether any concentrations could be detected above the tolerance limit of 2 ng g⁻¹ from different regions in the United States. Milk samples came from large tanker trucks hauling milk to processing plants, and had already been screened for antibiotics. Positive results for flunixin residues based on a screening assay were confirmed by ultra-HPLC with mass spectrometric detection. Of the 500 milk samples analysed in this study, one sample was found to have a 5-hydroxy-flunixin concentration greater than the tolerance limit. The results of this study indicate that flunixin residues in milk are possible. Regulatory agencies should be aware that such residues can occur, and should consider incorporating or expanding flunixin screening tests as part of routine drug monitoring in milk. Larger studies are needed to determine the true prevalence of flunixin residues in milk from other regions in the United States as well as different countries.

Keywords:

• flunixin
• milk residues
• UPLC-MS
• CHARM^®
• milk
• food safety

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their appreciation to the Dairy Farmers of America for providing them with the tanker load milk samples.