implementing a voluntary plan to phase out the use of certain
antibiotics in the feed or water of farm animals for weight-gaining
purposes. Some of these antimicrobials are used to treat human
infection, and their use in cattle, poultry, hogs and other animals
is contributing to the problem of microbial drug resistance.
voluntarily make labeling changes by which medically important
antimicrobial drugs could no longer be used for production
purposes, and their use to combat disease in animals would
require veterinary oversight.
intent to sign on to the plan and its three-year transition process.
Commenting on voluntary nature of the plan, Michael Taylor,
FDA's deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine,
said it was the fastest means of getting it implemented. "Based
on our outreach, we have every reason to believe that animal
pharmaceutical companies will support us in this effort," he
added.
flurry of major public health actions on topics ranging from soap
to milk. Here are the FDA's big five year-end moves:
elimination of virtually all artificial trans fats, the artery-clogging
substance that is a major contributor to heart disease. CDC
estimates that a further reduction of trans fat in the food supply
can prevent an additional 7,000 deaths from heart disease and up
to 20,000 heart attacks each year.
hydrogenated oils in foods are no longer "generally recognized
as safe." If the preliminary determination is finalized, partially
hydrogenated oils would become food additives requiring
premarket approval by FDA. U.S. law prohibits the sale of foods
containing unapproved additives.
would impact small businesses and how to ensure a smooth
transition if a final determination is issued.