The tetracyclines are a group of closely related bacteriostatic antibiotics with similar antibacterial spectra. Tetracyclines are used extensively in veterinary medicine and their use in food producing animals could result in potentially harmful concentrations in tissue, organs and milk. In recent years tetracyclines have been used in apiculture for the treatment of bacterial brood infections and although not intended for use during the production of marketable honey their use could result in presence in honey.

Regulatory authorities have specified maximum residual levels (MRLs), or tolerances, for tetracyclines, which are considered to represent safe levels for human consumption. 

Randox Food Diagnostics have developed the Tetracycline SENSITIVE ELISA as a testing opition that can detect traces of Tetracycline compounds in tissue and honey samples.