Validation of a commercial receptor kit for tetracycline residues in honey according to the European guideline for screening methods

A rapid receptor test dedicated to the screening of tetracycline (TTC) residues, the Tetrasensor^® kit in different matrices, has been evaluated and validated according to the European regulation to achieve the French control plan in honey. The detection capabilities (CCβs) were included between 5 and 15 µg kg⁻¹ for chlortetracycline (CTC), oxytetracycline (OTC), TTC and doxycycline (DOXY). The cross-reactions of both kits towards other families of antibiotics were negligible and there was no masking effect of these antibiotics on the detection of tetracyclines. The false positive rate was equal to 9.4%. This kit was applicable to a wide variety of honeys [monofloral and multifloral, different floral origins, different geographical origins and different consistencies (liquid or solid), different colours]. Finally, the Tetrasensor^® test is a robust method, quick, easy to perform and easy to read which is now applied to implement the French control plan for the detection of tetracyclines in honey.