FDA reverses decision on animal antibiotics

In yet another last-minute decision that seemingly will put consumers at risk, the Food and Drug Administration is rescinding a proposed ban on antibiotics in food-producing animals.

During the summer, the FDA said the practice of treating food-producing livestock with certain antibiotics was dangerous and seemed ready to institute a ban on the practice.

However, the beef industry and makers of animal antibiotics (namely, Pfizer) complained about the proposed rule change. And that is about all the arm twisting regulators needs as they announced earlier this week they were pulling back on that policy decision.

The ban would have prevented the use of cephalosporin in cows, swine and chicken, mostly.

The beef industry and animal drug makers say these antibiotics helps prevent the spread of widespread disease among livestock.

Opponents of animal antibiotics believe constant exposure to livestock will affect antibiotics’ effect on humans, and that diseases that affect livestock will grow stronger and more dangerous.