Detection of Residues of Antimicrobial Compounds in Eggs by the Rapid Screening Methods

Eggs belong to the most frequently consumed products of animal origin worldwide, and therefore the safety of eggs is a substantiated issue. Conventional poultry rearing involves the use of antimicrobials added to their feed or potable water particularly for disease treatment, however, in some countries also for the prevention of diseases, promotion of growth and better utilisation of the feed. Thus, effective control of residues of such substances in eggs is very important for the protection of the public health. The aim of this study was to detect the potential presence of antimicrobial residues in fresh hen eggs using commercially available rapid screening methods (Premi®Test and EXP Ampulle test) and compare the results of both of these tests. We examined 22 samples randomly selected from among 66 samples purchased in 11 European countries. We respected the procedures as supplied by the manufacturers of the tests together with their respective test kits. The examination of eggs by the Premi®Test did not detect the presence of antimicrobial residues in the samples, while the EXP Ampulle test provided 8 positive and 6 dubious results. Our results allowed us to conclude that the EXP Ampulle appears to be more sensitive and allows one to carry out more effective control of the presence of antimicrobial residues in hen eggs intended for human consumption.