Recent advances in toxicology, extraction, and analytical techniques for benzimidazole veterinary drug residues in food.

Abstract

Benzimidazoles are an important class of anthelmintics used to control parasitic infections in food-producing animals. However, these drugs can cause toxicological effects such as embryotoxicity, teratogenicity, polyploidy, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Monitoring benzimidazole residues in animal-derived foods is essential for human health. This review outlines the structural characteristics, classification, and toxicity of benzimidazole veterinary drugs, with a focus on their effects on animals, the environment, and humans. It discusses recent advancements in sample preparation and detection techniques, highlighting novel adsorbents like molecularly imprinted polymers and metal-organic network composites for enhanced selectivity and adsorption capacity. Developments in chromatographic methods, ELISA, and sensor technologies for benzimidazole detection are also reviewed, showcasing improvements in analytical performance, including low detection limits and reliable recoveries in complex food matrices. This work offers insights into future challenges and opportunities in benzimidazole research to guide detection strategies and ensure food safety.