Analytical methodology for determination of tetracyclines residues in milk: a review

Abstract

Tetracyclines are a group of antimicrobial drugs widely used in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in dairy cattle in Brazil. Intervals between tetracyclines administration and the withdrawal period should be complied with, in order to avoid the drug residues in milk. Milk containing antimicrobial residues might cause allergic reactions, occurrence of resistant bacteria and losses in manufacturing fermented dairy products. The present paper reviews the analytical methodology currently described in the literature for the determination of tetracyclines in milk. This study reviewed the chromatographic and the capillary electrophoresis, which have been the widely utilized methods.