MRM3-based UHPLC-MS/MS method for quantitation of total florfenicol residue content in milk and withdrawal study profile of milk from treated cows

Florfenicol is a broad spectrum antibacterial, licensed globally for treatment of animal and aquaculture diseases. In the EU, Canada and US it is not permitted for use in animals producing milk or eggs. There are no published methods for analysis of total florfenicol content in milk/milk products as these lack a hydrolysis step, failing to meet the marker residue definition. A method for determining total florfenicol content in milk that meets this definition is reported for the first time. Use of a UHPLC-MS/MS multiple reaction monitoring-cubed method improved the selective detection and quantitation of lower levels of florfenicol amine in milk compared to MRM only. Single laboratory validation data and withdrawal profile in bovine milk are presented. A withdrawal period of over 50 days is indicated in case of off-label use. Requirement for hydrolysis is demonstrated.