Research consultancy

Prevalence and Risk Assessment of Antibiotic Residues in Chicken Meat: A Case Study of Banda, Kampala, Uganda

Abstract
This study assessed the prevalence and concentration of antibiotic residues in broiler chicken tissues—specifically liver, gizzard, and breast muscle—sold in markets across Nakawa Division, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). A total of 150 samples were collected and analyzed using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) for the presence of five antibiotics: Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline, Enrofloxacin, Penicillin G, and Chloramphenicol. Results revealed that 32.67% of the samples contained detectable antibiotic residues. Liver tissues had the highest contamination levels (43.49%), followed by breast muscles (28.07%) and gizzards (28.45%). Banda and Nakawa markets exhibited the highest residue concentrations. While most residues were within Codex-recommended maximum residual limits (MRLs), some exceeded thresholds, posing potential health risks to consumers. These findings underscore the urgent need for regulatory enforcement, public education, and routine monitoring of antibiotic use in poultry production.

Keywords:
Antibiotic residues, poultry, LC-MS, Nakawa Division, food safety, public health, Uganda

Introduction

Chicken production has surged in Uganda due to its role in ensuring food security and generating income. However, to meet growing demand, farmers frequently administer antibiotics to promote growth and prevent disease. Misuse, including failure to observe withdrawal periods, can lead to residual drug presence in poultry meat, posing serious public health risks such as antimicrobial resistance, allergic reactions, and organ toxicity.

This study investigates the prevalence, concentration, and sources of antibiotic residues in broiler meat sold in Nakawa Division, a densely populated urban area with high poultry consumption.

Methodology

2.1 Sample Collection:
150 broiler tissue samples (50 each from liver, gizzard, and breast muscle) were randomly obtained from five major markets: Banda, Nakawa, Ntinda, Luzira, and Bugolobi.

2.2 Analytical Procedure:
Samples were prepared through homogenization and extraction with phosphate buffer and trichloroacetic acid, then analyzed using an Agilent 6400 series LC-MS system. Standards included Penicillin G, Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline, Enrofloxacin, and Chloramphenicol.

2.3 Questionnaire Survey:
Structured questionnaires were administered to 50 farmworkers to determine the types of antibiotics commonly used and the administration practices.

Results

3.1 Antibiotics Usage:
Among respondents, 82.2% used Tetracycline, 68.8% Penicillin, 62.2% Chloramphenicol, 57.8% Enrofloxacin, and 35.6% Oxytetracycline. Veterinary doctors were the primary administrators (84.4%), and most farmers acquired drugs from recognized sources.

3.2 Residue Detection:
32.67% of samples tested positive for antibiotic residues. Liver samples showed the highest contamination, confirming its metabolic role in drug accumulation. Banda market had the highest residue concentrations (mean 49.37 ppb), followed by Nakawa (53.77 ppb), while Luzira had the lowest (0.01 ppb). One sample exceeded Codex MRLs for Penicillin G.

3.3 Statistical Findings:
ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in residue concentrations among tissues and markets.

Discussion

The findings align with regional and global studies that highlight widespread antibiotic use in poultry and frequent non-compliance with withdrawal periods. Liver dominance in residue detection is consistent with its biological role. Urban demand spikes—especially from student populations in Banda and Nakawa—may incentivize overuse of growth promoters, raising health concerns.

Although most residue levels were within legal limits, continuous consumption may lead to bioaccumulation, antibiotic resistance, or allergic reactions. The detection of banned substances like Chloramphenicol also raises regulatory alarm.

Conclusion

This study confirms the presence of antibiotic residues in broiler meat from Nakawa Division markets, with some residues approaching or exceeding permissible levels. The implications for public health are substantial, especially in densely populated urban settings.

Recommendations

Policy: The National Drug Authority should intensify monitoring of veterinary drug use and enforce penalties for non-compliance.
Practice: Farmers should be educated on antibiotic withdrawal periods and trained in alternative poultry health practices.
Research: Further studies should explore the long-term health effects of sub-MRL antibiotic ingestion and assess residues in other animal products.
Surveillance: Routine testing of meat products in urban markets should be institutionalized.