Detection of antibiotic residues in leg quarter of chickens slaughtered in accredited poultry dressing plants in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Antibiotic residues in consumable products pose health risks by contributing to antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs), antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs), and teratogenic and carcinogenic effects. Regular screening of livestock products allows monitoring of these residues in humans. This study aimed to determine the presence of six antibiotic class residues (beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfonamides, macrolides, and tetracycline) and multidrug residues in chicken leg quarters (CLQs) from an accredited Poultry Dressing Plant (PDP) in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Thirty CLQs were collected from six PDPs in Nueva Ecija. Six muscle tissue specimens from each sample were screened for antibiotic residues through microbial inhibition tests at the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) Reserve Officers' Training Corps (RTOC) Regional III Laboratory Division, San Fernando, Pampanga. An inhibition zone ≥2 mm indicated a positive result. Screening showed no samples tested positive for any residue, and multi-drug residues were absent. No CLQs contained residues that exceeded the Maximum Residue Limit. CLQs from accredited PDPs in Nueva Ecija contained no antibiotic residues. These results may be due to strict antibiotic regulations, good veterinary supervision on source farms, and proper withdrawal periods.