For Comment: Structure and Scope for Proposed Framework to Strengthen Assessment of Antimicrobial-resistance Risks Associated with Pesticide Use

October 4, 2023 — 

Open for Public Comment: Feedback Requested on Structure and Scope for Proposed Framework to Strengthen Assessment of Antimicrobial-resistance Risks Associated with Pesticide Use

Through a U.S. government interagency process, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), under the oversight of the White House Executive Office of the President, have published a concept note. The concept note is the first step in creating a framework to improve how EPA assesses the potential risks to human and animal health from pesticide uses that could result in antimicrobial resistance that compromises the effectiveness of medically important antibacterial and antifungal drugs.

The proposed framework described in the concept note will expand EPA's current process for assessing the risk that antibacterial or antifungal pesticides may pose to the effectiveness of human and animal antibacterial and antifungal drugs when EPA evaluates pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

The concept note solicits stakeholder input on the proposed structure for the framework and on potential solutions, research, or mitigation approaches to reduce the spread of resistance. Feedback will then be incorporated, as appropriate, into the draft framework and the final framework, which will be issued at a later date.

Review the concept note and submit comments by November 13 HERE. Please share your comments with AASV by e-mailing AASV Director of Public Health and Communications Dr. Abbey Canon.

For additional background, visit EPA.