Antibiotic residues in animal food matrices in Southern Africa Development Community: A systematic review (1976-2025)

Food safety's direct impact on human health has led to its growing recognition as a global public health concern. Food safety initially surfaced on development agendas in a number of low-middle-income nations, mainly as a trade and market access issue. Animal food matrices may contain physical, biological, and chemical agents that can potentially cause illness or injury to humans or animals. The most contentious chemical residues in animal-source foods include antimicrobial drugs, hormonal growth promoters, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and heavy metals. The increased demand for animal products is the root cause of the global intensification of livestock production. In the SADC region, livestock accounts for more than 30% of agriculture and is essential to farmers' livelihoods. An increase in the use and abuse of antibiotics in animals is also associated with this trend. Antibiotic residues have been found in foods derived from animals as a result of improper antibiotic administration and use. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), bone marrow toxicity, disruption of the normal gut microbiota, allergic reactions, cancer, and fatalities can all be caused by antibiotic residues in animal-derived foods that are higher than Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). AMR is one of the top ten global threats to public health. According to estimates, the annual cost of healthcare and lost productivity resulting from infections caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics is EUR 1.5 billion in the EU and $55 billion in the US. DeDespite being a serious issue, little is known about the extent of the antibiotic residue problem in animal food matrices.here is limited information regarding antibiotic use and residues, along with inadequate regulation and monitoring systems for antibiotics where farmers can purchase antibiotics over the counter without a prescription. In order to evaluate the evidence supporting the presence of antibiotic residues in either processed or raw animal food matrices, this review will evaluate studies carried out within SADC over the last 50 years (1976–2025). The results of the review will facilitate the development and implementation of further regulations that support market expansion, capacity building for veterinarians and related personnel, "One Health" strategies, regulatory oversight of antibiotic use, farmer education initiatives, surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic residues, and other initiatives.