Oxytetracycline residues in honey analyzed by liquid chromatography with UV detection

Abstract

A liquid chromatography method with UV detection for determination of oxytetracycline (OTC) in honey has been developed. The samples were extracted with the solution of oxalic acid. The clean-up procedure was performed by solid phase extraction (SPE) using polymeric Strata X and carboxylic acid cartridges. Chromatographic separation was carried out on the Luna C8 analytical column with mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.02 M oxalic acid. The method has been successfully validated according to the requirements of the European Decision 2002/657/EC and this method is used in routine control of oxytetracycline in honey samples. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the presented method were 10 and 12.5 μg/kg, respectively. The developed method has also been verified in quantitative determination of oxytetracycline residues in honey after experimental treatment with this product in bee colonies.