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NPPC urges FDA to rethink changes to antibiotic ranking

The National Pork Producers Council is requesting the FDA alter its proposed new ranking system for antibiotics importance for human health. The FDA’s new system would add tiers to the already existing critically important, highly important and important categories.

NPPC Chief Veterinarian Liz Wagstrom…

“In our opinion, the tiers just add unnecessary confusion,” Wagstrom said.

And she says more than 90 percent of antibiotics used for swine health would fall into the top tier of the new system.

“We want to have more guidance on how best to select and choose antibiotics for the least potential consequences,” she said.

Wagstrom said while the proposed ranking system would provide more protection to people in the short-term, it would jeopardize the food supply chain in the long-term. She points to the FDA’s proposal as a concept paper open to adjustment. Wagstrom said NPPC views the FDA as a partner and is anxious to work with them to create a valuable ranking system.