Validation of a method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for multiclass screening and analysis of 59 veterinary drugs in fishery foods

Veterinary drugs (VDs) are regulated to prevent their abuse or misuse and protect humans that consume animal-based food products from exposure to VD residues. VD residues are managed according to the maximum residue limits (MRLs) or by prohibiting the use of VDs based on their residual properties and toxicities. However, all VD resides, even those that are not managed by MRLs, in animal-based food products will be regulated for public health improvement. Accordingly, herein, the applicability of an existing multiclass analytical method to the analysis of 59 VDs in fishery foods was validated. Applicability of this method to the analysis of VDs in livestock foods has already been confirmed. In this method, the sample was extracted with water:acetonitrile (1:4, v/v) followed by cooling, concentration, and analysis via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Accuracies and precisions for three fishery foods (namely, flat fish, eel, and shrimp) were 63.7 − 120% and 1.9 − 30%, respectively, and a minimum of 63% (44/70) compounds could be quantified. This method is expected to improve the capabilities and efficiencies of monitoring VD residues in animal-based food products and will enhance food safety.