Penicillin-G and oxytetracycline residues in beef sold for human consumption in Maroua, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: The contamination of food by chemical hazards is a worldwide public health concern and is a leading cause of trade problems internationally. Based on former work describing the prevalent use and misuse of antibiotics in cattle in the Far North Region of Cameroon, we designed a study to detect antibiotic (penicillin G and oxytetracycline) in beef sold for human consumption in Maroua (Cameroon). To determine the mean concentration of antibiotic residues in beef, sample of liver and muscle were collected from 202 cattle selected randomly in all the slaughterhouses of Maroua and Godola and analyzed using Liquid Chromatographic tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Characteristics of the cattle selected (age, sex, breed, body condition score, weight, production system, and pathology, etc.) were also collected before and/or after slaughter -by physical examination and survey, and post mortem examination. Results: Results revealed that out of 202 cattle 41 (20.30%) tested positive for antibiotics in one or more of their organs. The meat of cattle from transhumance system, sick animals and older cattle was more likely to be contained with penicillin G and oxytetracycline residues. The average residues concentration in beef was 17.58 μg/ kg for penicillin G and 240 μg/kg for oxytetracycline. Conclusions: The findings of the present study should be alarming for the legislative authorities in food security and safety. This highlights a very serious problem, both for the consumers of Maroua city and the herders of the region as well as for the whole economy of Cameroon. It is therefore be important that measures be taken at several levels by the actors of the sector (public authorities, veterinary auxiliaries, etc.) to guarantee the safety of the food of animal origin.

Human Health Risks Related to Penicillin G and Oxytetracycline Residues Intake Through Beef Consumption and Consumer Knowledge About Drug Residues in Maroua, Far North of Cameroon

“…Dietary exposure here is based on the average consumption of beef and the average concentration of contaminant in this food ( 27 ). To do all the calculations, the results of our previous study on beef contamination with drug residues were used ( 9 ).…”

“…The data of the concentration of PEN and OTC residues in beef used in this study were based on our previous study (9). During that study, to determine the mean concentration of antibiotic residues in beef, samples of liver and muscle were collected from 202 cattle selected randomly in all the slaughterhouses of Maroua and Godola and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry according to the revised method of the US Department of Agriculture (26) followed by some modifications.…”

“…However, a recent study conducted in this region showed that the meat of more than 20.30% cattle slaughtered is contaminated with the residues of two antibiotics named penicillin G (PEN) and oxytetracycline (OTC). These are the mostly used veterinary drug in this region ( 8 , 9 ). The average concentration of these antibiotic residues in beef was estimated at 17.58 μg/kg for PEN and 240 μg/kg for OTC ( 9 ).…”

“…These are the mostly used veterinary drug in this region ( 8 , 9 ). The average concentration of these antibiotic residues in beef was estimated at 17.58 μg/kg for PEN and 240 μg/kg for OTC ( 9 ). This is in accordance with Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization reporting that antimicrobial residues edible animal products have grown beyond permissible level or are very high in developing countries ( 10 ).…”

“…The first step of this assessment in the Far North Region of Cameroon was made during our previous work ( 8 ). The second step was also addressed during the studies conducted in the same area ( 6 , 9 ). This paper is then the last two steps of this risk assessment.…”