December 13, 2013 FDA Seeking Livestock Industry Volunteers to Stop Antibiotic Abuse -Article Says It won't Work

By Avinash Kar

Editor’s Note: On December 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published its final guidance aimed at reducing use of antibiotics in livestock. In EarthDesk, September 17 we reported the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had finally announced its conclusion that overuse of antibiotics by the livestock industry contributes to antibiotic resistant infections in humans. CDC was careful to indicate the FDA had primary responsibility for regulating antibiotic use in livestock. Sabrina Tavernise of The New York Times reported the FDA guidance, “[W]ill effectively make it illegal for farmers and ranchers to use antibiotics to make animals grow bigger.”

Avinash Kar disagrees. He writes in this excellent analysis, which appears on the Natural Resources Defense Council Switchboard blog, the guidelines are just that — an unenforceable guide, with a dubious chance of success. FDA has earned the mistrust of health and environmental advocates. 

- See more at: http://earthdesk.blogs.pace.edu/2013/12/13/fda-seeking-livestock-industry-volunteers-to-stop-antibiotic-abuse/#sthash.qAlUDu3o.dpuf