A new antibody developed and patented by ARS scientists quickly pinpoints a major antibiotic given to dairy cows and meat animals. ARS researchers further developed a new test, using this antibody, to detect the antibiotic Ceftiofur. Ceftiofur is used to treat mastitis in dairy cows and respiratory diseases in cattle, pigs and poultry. The federal Food and Drug Administration routinely screens milk and USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service routinely checks meat products to make sure they don’t exceed the tolerances for residues from antibiotics approved to treat animals. Currently, these agencies measure residues by using time-consuming laboratory analytical methods. The antibody test is quicker and doesn’t require as much cleanup time as chemical tests. The antibody has been licensed to a company for incorporation into an immunoassay for measuring Ceftiofur in milk.

Food and Feed Safety Research, College Station, TX
Larry H. Stanker, (409) 260-9484, stanker@usda.tamu.edu

Triglycerides—fats in margarines, shortenings and cooking oils—can be separated and identified easily and faster than ever, thanks to the application of a new technique for triglyceride analysis. This is important news for food processors. Faster analysis of how fats perform in food products will help the food industry shave months off product development. The new technique is called reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The technique can identify 35 or more triglycerides within 2 hours. Now, triglyceride composition can be correlated with physical properties of the food, such as its melting range, mouthfeel and reaction to refrigeration.

National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Peoria, IL
William Neff, (309) 681-6392, neffwe@mail.ncaur.usda.gov