PREVALENCE OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESIDUES IN MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS IN THE STATE OF KUWAIT

ABSTRACT Approximately, 1,000 locally produced and imported milk and dairy product samples were collected at different seasonal periods from different farms and retail outlets in Kuwait, and screened for the presence of four antimicrobial residues (beta‐lactams, tetracyclines sulfonamides and chloramphenicol) using Charm II system. Results indicated that 29.1% of the analyzed local fresh milk samples were above the maximum residue level (MRL) for tested residues with tetracycline as predominant residue. The prevalence of antimicrobial residues in imported pasteurized milk samples (5.4%) was higher than that of local pasteurized milk samples (3.4%). No residues were detected in powdered and condensed milk samples imported from the European Union (EU) countries with the exception of tetracyclines. Results also showed that 9.4% of the analyzed imported cheese samples were above the MRL for tested residues, while tested ice cream samples were negative for antimicrobial residues. The significant presence of antimicrobial residues, particularly chloramphenicol, in raw and pasteurized milk, clearly implies the misuse of antimicrobial drugs in animal farms in Kuwait and neighboring countries, and implies the need for stricter regulations on antimicrobial drug usage in the dairy industry.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS This article addresses the generation of a baseline data on the current presence of four antimicrobial residues in locally produced and imported milk and dairy products in the state of Kuwait. The outcome of this study will provide valuable baseline information for local governmental authorities for effective monitoring for the use and misuse of agricultural antimicrobial drugs. Such data will also be important for other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, because such countries share similar farming practices and import comparable foodstuffs.