MADELEINE KLEVEN , PROJECT ASSISTANT, FOOD SAFETY PROGRAM AT FOOD ANIMAL CONCERNS TRUST

 FDA allows some medically important antibiotics to be used for the whole life of the animals receiving them.  This creates an increased risk of antibiotic resistance which can harm human and animal health. In 2016, FDA proposed adding limits on how long an antibiotic could be used in food animals. FDA must move forward with this proposal and in doing so make sure that durations are short enough to lower the risk of resistance and other negative side effects.  Evidence from human medicine shows that using antibiotics for shorter periods or durations usually works just as well and leads to less resistance and other side effects. Read further to learn more.