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We report the use of terahertz (THz) spectroscopy to explore the spectral properties of eleven antibiotics commonly used in livestock production. Eight of the eleven antibiotics showed specific fingerprints in the frequency range between 0.1 and 2 THz. The main spectral features of two antibiotics (doxycycline and sulfapyridine) were still detectable when they were mixed with three food matrices (feed, milk, and egg powder). These preliminary results indicate that THz spectroscopy could be suitable for screening applications to detect the presence of antibiotic residues in the food industry, with the prospect to allow inspections directly on the production lines. THz spectroscopy is a non-destructive, non-contact, and real-time technique that requires very little sample preparation. Moreover, THz radiation can penetrate plastic and paper, which enables the detection of antibiotics in packaged food.

A microbiological method for the determination of the antibiotic growth promoter avoparcin in animal feeds and pre-mixes was first published in 1979. The existing method has been applied to new matrices as commercial use of avoparcin has spread. Problems with the existing analytical procedure have been reported, particularly in Germany. This paper identifies the causes of the problems and includes revisions to the existing analytical procedure. The testing of these revisions in co-operative studies with up to five German official laboratories is also reported.