UHPLC-ToF-MS approach for the analysis of antibiotic residues in Algerian honey: a preliminary assessment

Application of antibiotics in beekeeping to treat bacterial diseases can lead to antibiotic residues in honey. This situation can contribute to the broader problem of antibiotic resistance and may cause allergic reactions as well as long-term risks such as carcinogenic effects, gastrointestinal disturbances, aplastic anaemia and reproductive issues. This work aimed at evaluating the safety of honey from the region of Bejaia, in Algeria. A total of ten honey samples sold directly by the producers were analysed. Twenty-four antibiotics were extracted by using a modified QuEChERS methodology and determined by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ToF-MS). Method validation yielded satisfactory recovery values, ranging from 82.31% to 119.54%. Precision parameters were also within a reasonable range, with minimum values of 0.17 and 3.61%, and maximum values of 21.78 and 29.87% for repeatability and reproducibility, respectively. Additionally, detection and quantification limits (LOD and LOQ) ranged from 0.05 – 0.64 μg.kg -1 and 0.14 – 1.93 μg.kg -1 , respectively. Linear regression was excellent with R 2 exceeding 0.9664. Finally, 13 out of 24 antibiotic residues were found in the honey samples analysed. Cefazolin, cloxacillin, difloxacin, enoxacin, lincomycin and norfloxacin were detected in all samples. Valnemulin was found in 70% of the samples. Epi-chlortetracycline, oxolinic acid and sulfadimidine were found in one sample. Ultimately, the findings of the present work demonstrated that the QuEChERS extraction and UHPLC-ToF-MS detection provide a fast, high, and sensitive technique for detecting antibiotics residues in honey. • A sensitive and specific UHPLC-TOF-MS method was developed for the determination of 24 antibiotics in Algerian honey. • The method enabled the detection of multiple antibiotics, including seven families, in Algerian honey samples. • The study showed that a significant percentage of Algerian honey was contaminated with antibiotics, highlighting the need for stricter quality control measures. • The UHPLC-TOF-MS method allowed for the semi-quantification of antibiotic residues in honey samples, providing valuable data for risk assessment and regulatory purposes.