News

Senators urge animal antibiotics action

Four U.S. Senators are urging the head of the Food and Drug Administration to propose a rule increasing data collection of medically important antibiotics used in agriculture.

Senators Tom Harkin (of Iowa), Dianne Feinstein, Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren have sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg. The Democrats say antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens “remains a threat to the American public” and that “any type of antibiotic use can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.”

While pleased the FDA has taken the step to require more transparent reports on food animal antibiotic drug sales and distribution data, they are unhappy that a proposed rule that would “further enhance data collected on this topic” has been delayed until next year.

While responsible antibiotic use is urged by animal ag groups they argue that antibiotic resistance isn’t just an animal agriculture issue. They also say on-farm data should be carefully considered.