How To Test For Antibiotics in Milk Alternatives?

At Calibre, we constantly review new market trends and provide solutions to assist customers, be they small farms or large processors. The most recent trend is the alternative milk market, which consists of goat's milk, sheep’s milk, oat milk, and many others. 

For animal-based alternative milks, the standard measures to ensure good animal health still apply. As such, testing milk for antibiotics is just as essential for the alternative markets. 

How do antibiotics enter the dairy supply chain? 

In cow’s milk, it is essential for farmers and producers to test for the presence of antibiotic residues. Antibiotic residues can be present for several different reasons, mainly due to the antibiotics not fully metabolising from the cow’s system after treatment. When a cow has been treated using antibiotics, it is essential to ensure the antibiotics are then clear from the milk before the product is released into the production line. This same process is also applied to alternative milk sources, such as goats and sheep. 

Our Charm EZ system and antibiotic testing strips can be used to detect antibiotic levels. The Charm range has a variety of different test options which can be suitable for small farms, large farms, and producers. 

Although customers have been using Charm rapid antibiotics tests for many years on goat’s milk, the Charm system is now an officially validated method for detecting the presence of antibiotic residues in goat's milk. The MRLBL3 Beta-Lactam test provides results within three minutes using ROSA lateral flow technology. The test system is designed for use by dairy, intake, laboratory, field, and regulatory personnel, and the Charm system is used by the UK major dairy processors. 

It is therefore ideal for a farm producing goat’s or cow’s milk to use the same testing system that is used by processors. 

Goat’s milk is naturally homogenised, meaning the cream remains in the milk without having to go through processing. Goat’s milk contains many nutrients and is high in A2 proteins, which can act as a probiotic bacteria. Even though the product is nutritionally similar to cow’s milk, the protein levels in goat’s milk make it very similar to human milk. 

Due to the smaller fat globules in goat’s milk – around 20% smaller on average than in traditional cow’s milk – and lower lactose levels, goat’s milk is much easier to digest and is a good alternative milk for people who have trouble digesting or intaking cow’s milk. Goat’s milk has around 30% medium chain fatty acids, which is 15-20% higher than cow’s milk, meaning that the fatty acids are a quick source of energy. 

Lactoscan MCC can be used to analyse the composition of milk in both sheep and cow's milk. The Lactoscan MCC analyses liquid dairy products in just 30 seconds using ultrasonic analysis using a small sample size. Lactoscan enables the farmer or liquid processor to analyse a variety of different parameters such as fat, density, protein, salts, and pH to ensure the milk batch is up to standard. 

Guidance on what to do following an antibiotic screening test failure 

The Food Standards Agency outlines clear guidance on what to do with antibiotic testing in milk and how to respond to a failed test. 

The guidance lays out slightly different responses dependent on antibiotics being used ‘on-label’, with guidance from the manufacturer, or ‘off-label’, where directed by a veterinarian. Following failure in either case, the affected milk is withheld from the production line so as not to reach human consumption until further safety can be established. 

Milk that fails testing at the production holding must be disposed of. If failures have resulted from adverse results, such as a failure that occurs despite following on-label guidance, reporting to a qualified authority is encouraged. 

What is maximum residue level (MRL)? 

Maximum residue levels describe the maximum allowed concentrations of leftover products such as veterinary medicine in animal produce like milk. MRLs for European countries are set by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), specifically their Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use. 

Following the UK’s break from the EU, the same MRLs set by the EMA have been carried forward into domestic law and included in a statutory register. 

Testing milk for antibiotics with Calibre Control 

At Calibre, we pride ourselves in providing a range of solutions for testing milk for antibiotics at all levels. If you have any questions regarding milk testing, whether that’s cow, goat, or sheep, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can assist you with best testing technology for your needs. 

To find your solution, contact us today.