The Issue of Antimicrobial Use in Food Animals

Abstract

The issue of antimicrobial use in food animals has been controversial for more than three decades. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first called for several restrictions on antimicrobial use in feed in 1977. That proposal has generated several studies and reports over the subsequent years. Definitive answers about the safety of antimicrobial use in animals remain scientifically challenging, but we are continuing to uncover more truths and, more important, have begun updating FDA's regulatory process for evaluating antimicrobial drugs intended for use in food animals.