Quinolones are synthetic antibiotics that inhibit the activity of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV. The fluoroquinolones are active against enterobacteriaceae, also staphylococci, P.aeruginosa, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia and some streptococci. Quinolones are widely distributed to most body fluids and tissues. They are variably metabolised in the liver and excreted in the urine.

The presence of Fluoroquinolones in foods has become of increasing concern as studies indicate the presence of antibiotic resistant pathogens. Multiple countries are considering bans on their use. Fluoroquinolones are not recognised as safe or effective to treat honey bee diseases and they have not been approved for such use. Flumequine is a chemotherapeutic antibiotic of the Fluroquinonlones drug class used to treat bacterial infections. The Randox Food Diagnostics Flumequine ELISA test kit detects flumequine antibiotic residues in honey offering exceptional limits of detection.