ABSTRACT
Benzimidazoles are veterinary drugs widely used against endoparasites in food-producing animals. Albendazole (ABZ), a benzimidazole, is believed to cause embryotoxicity, teratogenicity and other adverse health effects. This study assessed the residue levels of ABZ and its two major metabolites, the sulfoxide (ABZ-SO) and sulfone (ABZ-SO2), in raw milk samples collected from farms in southern Greece during the spring and autumn of 2008. Analysis was performed by HPLC using a diode array detector. A total of 16% of the 89 samples examined were positive for ABZ metabolites in the range 11-70 ng ml(-1), but the parent compound was not detected in any sample. A geographical variation in positive samples was observed, but season or milk type (ovine, bovine, goat) was unrelated to the presence of residues. Considering the lipophilic character of these substances and the possibility of higher concentrations in dairy foods, we suggest greater controlled usage of these drugs.
