Nitroimidazoles in Albanian honey samples by LC-MS/MS analysis

This study employed QuEChERS extraction method combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to analyse honey samples from Albania for nitroimidazole residues. This approach allowed for the detection of trace-level residues, achieving sensitivity in the parts per billion range. Out of the 45 honey samples analysed, 6 exceeded the European Union's safety limit of 1 µg/kg, with metronidazole (MNZ) and dimetridazole (DMZ) being the predominant contaminants. The findings highlight the public health risk posed by nitroimidazole residues, particularly in regions where honey is a widely consumed food product. In line with recent advances in the determination of veterinary drug residues, this study supports the need for enhanced regulatory frameworks and continuous monitoring to safeguard consumer health.

LC-MS/MS; QUECHERS; food safety; nitroimidazoles; veterinary residues.