Products

Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic from Biorex Food Diagnostics that acts against a wide range of Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria. It has historically been used in food-producing animals to treat bacterial infections. However, regulatory authorities now strictly prohibit its use in food-producing animals across the European Union and many other regions worldwide.

One major concern linked to chloramphenicol is its association with aplastic anaemia, a rare but often fatal condition that affects bone marrow function. Importantly, this risk is not dose-dependent. Therefore, even extremely low levels of exposure may pose a serious health risk. As a result, regulators apply a zero-tolerance policy for its presence in food products.

Chloramphenicol residues can appear in animal-derived foods such as meat, milk, honey, and seafood when misuse or illegal use occurs. Consequently, contaminated products may enter the food chain if monitoring is insufficient. This creates a direct risk to consumer health, especially in vulnerable populations.

For this reason, laboratories must use highly sensitive analytical methods to detect trace levels of chloramphenicol. Immunoassays and chromatographic techniques help identify and quantify residues even at very low concentrations. In addition, these methods support reliable monitoring across different food matrices.

Routine testing programmes play a key role in food safety systems. Alongside strict regulatory enforcement, they help ensure compliance with international standards. As a result, authorities can prevent contaminated products from reaching the market.

Overall, chloramphenicol monitoring protects public health, strengthens consumer confidence, and supports the integrity of global food supply chains.