Chapter 8

Immunoassays for Detecting Prohibited Growth Promoters in the Food Chain

Ph. Delahaut

Abstract

The use of growth promoters to fatten cattle, once widespread, is now banned or strictly regulated worldwide, with a view to protecting consumer health. The European Union, in particular, has issued directives, regulations, and guidelines for controlling such substances. Immunoassays (radioimmunoassays, ELISAs, biosensor assays) provide quick, sensitive, low-cost, and highthroughput screening tools for detecting steroids, corticosteroids, and β-agonists in live animals and meat. Their development has led, for instance, to eradication of the use of the dangerous compound diethylstilbestrol. Current challenges include the growing number of growth-promoting “black market” substances and the emergence of “cocktails” containing low levels of several mutually potentiating compounds. New analytical approaches, such as immunochemical multiplexing or the development of receptor-based assays, may contribute to meet these challenges.

Total Pages: 93-111 (19)

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