Imazalil-OVA Antigen

Imazalil is a systemic imidazole fungicide widely used in agriculture for post-harvest fruit treatment (such as citrus, bananas, and apples) and as a veterinary ectoparasiticide to treat fungal infections like ringworm in livestock. Its relevance to animal-derived food safety arises from both direct veterinary application and indirect dietary carryover. Animals can ingest imazalil residues through feed made from processed agricultural byproducts (e.g., citrus pulp). Because of its chemical stability, residues can translocate and accumulate in animal tissues (particularly the liver and kidneys), milk, and eggs. Since imazalil is classified as a probable human carcinogen and has demonstrated hepatotoxic and endocrine-disrupting effects in chronic studies, regulatory agencies enforce strict Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in animal commodities to protect consumer health.