Products

Nitroimidazoles are a class of veterinary drugs with both antibiotic and anticoccidial activity, used in the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of diseases such as coccidiosis and histomoniasis in poultry, as well as Nosema apis infections in honeybees, which represent one of the most significant threats to bee health and colony productivity.

These compounds are metabolised primarily in the liver and subsequently excreted in urine. Following administration, they may undergo biotransformation into various metabolites, which can persist in biological systems depending on dosage, exposure duration, and species-specific metabolic pathways. This has raised concerns regarding their safety in food-producing animals and the potential for residues to enter the human food chain.

Due to evidence suggesting potential carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, the use of nitroimidazoles in food-producing animals has been strictly prohibited within the European Union under Directives 2377/90 and 2205/2001. Similar restrictions are in place in many other regions worldwide, reflecting a global regulatory consensus on their risk profile.

Despite these bans, the potential for illegal or unregulated use in some areas means that residue monitoring remains essential. Contamination may occur in animal-derived food products if controls are not adequately enforced, creating potential risks for consumers.

As a result, sensitive and reliable analytical methods are required to detect trace levels of nitroimidazole residues in food products. Routine monitoring plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with international regulations, protecting public health, and maintaining confidence in the safety and integrity of meat, dairy, honey, and other animal-derived foods within the global food supply chain.