Today, the Food and Drug Administration came out with final guidance related to the administration of antibiotics in animals intended for the nation’s food supply. In doing, the agency hopes that food safety as a whole can be improved, as livestock would not be exposed to antimicrobials that lead to the development of certain resistances that could then be passed on to human beings. The FDA has come up with a policy that limits these antimicrobials’ usage as a growth promoter. Understanding, though, that there may be certain therapeutic benefits of drugs that are meant to keep animals healthy, the FDA is asking for additional oversight by veterinary officials. Ensuring that the antibiotics are used solely for medical purposes can help limit the development of resistances that make treating illness difficult.
For more about this effort, click here.