Objective The use of nitrofuran antibiotics in farm animals was banned in the EU because of their toxicity. Monitoring compliance with the ban by testing for residues of the parent drugs is ineffective, because they are rapidly metabolised in vivo, and their residues are unstable. Nitrofuran metabolism is complex, with extensive formation of stable, tissue-bound residues with relatively long tissue half lives. Mild acids (like the human stomach) release potentially toxic compounds from bound nitrofuran residues. This project will develop screening tests and a Reference Method for these compounds, to provide an effective tool f or surveillance and enforcement. Methods will be extensively validated according to current EU guidelines; will be used to measure the prevalence of the bound residues in a pan-European survey and to define the length of time for which illegal abuse can be detected. A project web site, a Consumer Awareness Forum, National Reference Laboratory Technology Transfer events and articles prepared for the consumer press will ensure maximum dissemination of the aims and findings of the work to end users; and an SME will develop novel, marketable products. Fields of science engineering and technologymedical engineeringmedical laboratory technologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsantibiotics Programme(s) FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002 Topic(s) 1.1.1.-1. - Key action Food, Nutrition and Health Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator THE QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF BELFAST EU contribution No data Address Stoney Road , Stormont BT4 3SD BELFAST United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data Participants (5) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all ASSOCIATION DES CONSOMMATEURS TEST- ACHATS Belgium EU contribution No data Address Hollandstraat 13 1060 BRUXELLES See on map Total cost No data NATIONAL FOOD INVESTIGATION INSTITUTE Hungary EU contribution No data Address Mester Utca 81 1465 BUDAPEST See on map Total cost No data R- BIOPHARM GMBH Germany EU contribution No data Address Dolivostrasse 10 64293 DARMSTADT See on map Total cost No data TEAGASC - AGRICULTURE AND FOOD DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Ireland EU contribution No data Address 19,Dunsinea, Castleknock 15 DUBLIN See on map Total cost No data VETERINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE Czechia EU contribution No data Address 70,Hudcova 70 621 32 BRNO See on map Total cost No data