Background Chloramphenicol is a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic agent used against pathogenic microorganisms particularly members of the Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia spp. and Salmonella spp., making this drug prominently used in veterinary medicine. Concerns about chloramphenicol side effects such as genotoxicity, embryo toxicity and fetotoxicity, its carcinogenic potential to humans and the lack of a dose-response relationship for aplastic anaemia prompted authorities to ban chloramphenicol as a drug for food-producing animals in many countries.

Objectives This study was conducted to screen the presence of chloramphenicol residues in retailed chicken sold in selected public markets in Davao City.

Methods 84 samples were tested, which consist of 42 chicken breast and liver. Screening was done using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) method.

Result The results showed that 6 out of 42 (14.28%) chicken breast and 5 out of 42 (11.9%) chicken liver positive for chloramphenicol residues. Overall, 11 out of 84 samples (13.09%) of the retailed chicken breast and liver sold in Davao City public markets were positive for chloramphenicol residues.

Conclusion Based on the results, it can be inferred that there is still continued use of this drug for food-producing animals despite prohibition from food regulatory authorities. The researcher recommended the prudent use of antimicrobials to food-producing animals and appropriate screening of antibiotics by food regulatory authorities to ensure food safety and eliminate food-associated hazards to consumers.