Robust monitoring, risk assessment, and environmental impact of antibacterial residues in animal and fishery products collected in Tokyo from 2020 to 2024

Antibacterial agents have been used in livestock and aquaculture systems; however, residues in the environment and foodstuffs are of great concern to human health. In this study, the levels of 45 antibacterial agents in 1154 animal and fishery products collected in Tokyo (Japan) from 2020 to 2024 were assessed. Microbiological screening was performed, followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. Residues were detected in 22 samples. A total of 27 residues were detected in the positive samples, and six antibacterial agents (cefazoline, chlortetracycline, doxycycline, lincomycin, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline) were quantified. The findings indicated that 99% of the samples contained residues at regulation-approved levels, and one violation was detected. Dietary exposure was evaluated using the estimated daily intake of the violation and benchmarked against the corresponding acceptable daily intake (ADI). The %ADI value was 0.81, indicating a low health risk. Thus, monitoring residual antibacterial agents is beneficial for assessing their risks and preventing their accumulation in urban environments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of robust monitoring supported by a continuous performance evaluation using a microbiological screening method. Future monitoring should focus on managing the abuse of antibacterial agents, enhancing food safety, and safeguarding public health.