Drug residues refer to the leftover traces or remnants of pharmaceutical substances or their metabolites that remain in different biological tissues, food products, or the environment after the administration or use of drugs. They can exist in varying forms, including the parent drug compound, its active metabolites, or the products resulting from the degradation or transformation of the drug.
In veterinary medicine and agriculture, drug residues commonly pertain to the amount of pharmaceuticals that remain in animal-derived products, such as meat, milk, eggs, or fish, as well as in crops or soil due to the use of veterinary drugs, feed additives, or pesticides. These residues may come from various sources, including therapeutic treatments, growth promotion, disease prevention, or parasite control.
The presence of drug residues is a matter of concern due to potential risks they may pose to human health, including drug toxicity, allergic reactions, development of antimicrobial resistance, or other adverse effects. Consequently, regulatory bodies in many countries establish maximum residue limits (MRLs) above which a food commodity is considered unsafe for human consumption.
Monitoring and control of drug residues is crucial to maintain food safety, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. Thus, various analytical methods, including chromatography, mass spectrometry, and immunoassays, are employed to detect and quantify drug residues accurately. Stringent regulations, effective withdrawal periods, responsible drug usage, and good agricultural practices are essential measures taken to minimize drug residues and ensure consumer safety.
