FDA Mulling Restrictions on Livestock Antibiotics

March 17, 2010 — 

The head of the Food and Drug Administration says the agency is continuing to look at possible restrictions on the use of antibiotics in livestock but pledged to consult with producers. Margaret Hamburg told a House subcommittee that antibiotic resistance is one of the nation's "foremost public health concerns" and there are clear linkages between the problem and the use of the drugs in farm animals.

"We are working closely with industry, listening to their concerns," Hamburg said in response to a question from Rep. Tom Latham, R-Ia. "We are not going to move forward and institute a policy that we have not been able to base on sound science and evidence."

She said the agency was looking at "regulatory pathways" to restrict animal antibiotic use but did not elaborate.

Source:
by Philip Brasher
Des Moines Register
March 10, 2010