Pennsylvania Bill to Ban Antimicrobial Use in Livestock Feed

June 14, 2008 — 

The Safe Food and Safe Families Act of 2008 (PA HB2195) was introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature on May 27, 2008. The purpose of the bill is to prohibit the "non-therapeutic" use of certain antimicrobial agents (penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, lincomycin, bacitracin, virginiamycin or any other agent designated by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Health of the Commonwealth) in animal agriculture and to prohibit the administration of any antimicrobial agent for growth promotion.

The bill stipulates that livestock producers would have to submit an annual affidavit attesting that the animals produced by that agricultural operation have not been administered an antimicrobial agent in violation of this act. In addition, livestock operations would have to report any use of antimicrobial agents in animals including a list of the antimicrobial agents used and the approximate volume administered. The Department of Health would then use this information would then to compile an annual report.

Violators are subject to civil penalties of up to $1000 per day. In addition, any microbial agent administered in violation of this act shall be deemed a "hazardous substance" and shall be subject to regulation as a "hazardous substance".

The Bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs.