National Food Policy Conference Features Expert Panel Discussion of Antibiotics

Thomas Gremillion, Director, Food Policy Institute at Consumer Federation of America

The Consumer Federation of America assembled a panel of experts to discuss “The One Health Approach to Antibiotic Resistance” at its recent 41st Annual National Food Policy Conference. The make-up of the panel illustrates the broad approach that addressing antibiotic resistance requires, and the discussion made clear both the tremendous progress that advocates have made in reducing antibiotic overuse, and the urgent need for much more serious action, particularly in animal agriculture.

Towards an Evidence-Based Antibiotics Policy

Data collection on antibiotic usage vital to shaping federal policy

Thomas Gremillion, Director, Food Policy Institute at Consumer Federation of America

Since January of 2017, FDA’s Guidance 213 no longer allows medically important antibiotics to be used for growth promotion purposes, but how much of an impact has that policy had? What about other efforts to promote more judicious antibiotic use in animal agriculture? Where are farmers and ranchers making the most progress in reducing antibiotic use? What types of animal antibiotic use carry the highest risk of contributing to resistant infections in humans?