Labelling and quality of antimicrobial products used in chicken flocks in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.
Yen NTP., Phu DH., Van Cuong N., Kiet BT., Hien BV., Padungtod P., Truong DB., Thwaites GE., Carrique-Mas JJ.
BACKGROUND:The Mekong Delta of Vietnam is a hotspot of antimicrobial use (AMU), but there is no information on the quality of the labelling and strength of antimicrobial products used in poultry production. METHODS:Based on a large random sample of farms, we identified the 20 most used antimicrobial products in the area, and investigated their antimicrobial active ingredient (AAI) content by UPLC-MS/MS (91 analytical tests). RESULTS:Only 17/59 (28.8%) batches contained all AAIs within 10% of the declared strength. Worryingly, 65.0% products provided in their label preparation guidelines for both therapeutic and prophylactic use. Withdrawal times for both meat and eggs were stated in 8/20 (40%) products. CONCLUSION:Results highlight deficiencies in quality and labelling contents that undermine authorities' efforts to discourage inappropriate use of antimicrobials.