Randox creates test to screen Oxytetracyclines in seafood

UK-based Randox Food Diagnostics has developed a specific ELISA test for Oxytetracyclines, in response to a sharp rise in Oxytetracycline residues in Asian seafood products in recent years.

The test for Oxytetracyclines, which is a common antibiotic used in aquaculture, can be validated for both seafood products and honey. It was created by Randox, following numerous import refusals for shrimp and other aquaculture products.

Around 126 entry lines of seafood products were rejected by the Food and Drug Administration in June this year. Of these, 25 were shipments of shrimp that were refused due to contamination with banned veterinary drugs.

This is the highest number of shrimp entry refusals due to antibiotic contamination since February 2011. The company says that the number of such incidents is on the rise, with 53 shrimp entry line refusals in 2012, and 73 in 2013.

Antibiotics like tetracyclines have been used in apiculture for the treatment of bacterial brood infections in recent years, which could result in the presence of residues in honey.

Randox Food Diagnostics global business manager David Ferguson said, "Buying trends over the last few years show that Oxytetracyclines are becoming an ever more popular variant within the drug class. Therefore the needs of the residue screening market change and with one of the largest test menus on offer, Randox Food Diagnostics is always keen to stay ahead of the competition. As a high-quality product our Oxytetracycline ELISA has an excellent sensitivity of 3.92ppb for honey and 20ppb for fish and shrimp tissue."

"Our ground-breaking BioChip Array Technology multiplexing system, the Evidence Investigator, screens for Oxytetracyclines, however a specific ELISA test provides a cost-effective lower volume solution for a wide variety of laboratories, and with sales already recorded we are delighted to be first to market."