FDA Tightens Rules on Antibiotics Use for Livestock

[Jim]

Pretty interesting:  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/12/us/antibiotics-for-livestock-will-require-prescription-fda-says.html?_r=1&hp

I can't help but cringe every time I see Michael Taylor's name in print, the F.D.A.’s deputy commissioner for food, knowing he is the former Monstanto chief lawyer.  Anyhow, it is interesting.  I can imagine small producers will have a tough time finding a vet to provide needed scripts.  I am sure some loopholes/middlemen will be created along the way.

[heliotropicmoth]

Interesting. Whats gonna stop large CAFO's from using their in house vets, possible devoid of scruples, to "prescribe" all the animals on the farm antibiotics?

“We’re confident that it will result in significant reductions in agricultural antibiotic use,” Mr. Taylor said. “That’s why we’re doing this.”

Then a couple paragraphs later:

"The F.D.A. believes that veterinarians will be far less likely to endorse indiscriminate drug uses."

I don't know how effective this will be on large CAFO operations, because of my previous point. I do think it will hurt small to medium farms that may not have used the blanket approach to antibiotics, because now they have to involve a vet and a new bill.

Patrick

[Jim]

Agreed. That is a great point. It's like they are doing something for the public, when in reality they are just making CAFOs and Co-ops stronger.  I didn't see much more detail yet, but it smells.

[CortneyRae]

It will be more interesting to find out how many teeth are put into the bill. Are they going to routinely test the animals/meat for antibiotic levels? Are there going to be FDA approved Vets that they must use? What will the penalties be? Will they mandate better conditions in the CAFOs in light of reduced antibiotic usage?

It seems that if they simply ban (or minimize) the usage of antibiotics and don't put any testing or requirements for better housing conditions it will just lead to corrupt in-house vets doing whatever the corporations ask them to. The FDA hardly inspects anyone anymore (save small-scale operations), so I don't know how effective this legislation will be if there aren't more comprehensive and all-encompassing measures also put into place.

It is a good thing that they are moving this way (and a good thing we are all skeptical) but it can't just be a news snippet or a piece of paper to be effective. And I'd hate to see the American public be satisfied with this small step that won't likely result in major changes.