βeta-lactam and Tetracycline Antibiotic Residues in Cow Milk in the Constantine region, Algeria

The aim of the present study was to investigate the βeta-lactam and tetracycline antibiotic residues in cow milk samples. A total of 122 samples of cow milk were collected from raw milk collectors (109 samples) and from a reconstituted pasteurized milk sales clerk (13 samples) in the Constantine region, Algeria and examined using the ΒetaStar Combo screening kit (Neogen, USA). Results indicates that 13 samples (10.66%) were positive for antibiotics residues: 12 (9.84%) for βeta-lactams (ten (8.20%) raw and two (1.64%) pasteurized milk samples) and only one (0.82%) for tetracyclines in a raw milk sample. It is evident that the Algerian consumer is not sheltered from the danger of antibiotic residues in milk and these inhibitor residues should constitute a constant concern for the dairy industry in Algeria. A control programme should be established.