An FDA plan to curb antibiotic use in livestock is laughable — but nobody’s laughing
Someone call the Guinness Book of World Records. The FDA just created two massive loopholes bigger than the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
If that’s not a world record, it’s close.
A few days ago, agency officials announced a new plan to cut back on the use of antibiotics to fatten up livestock.
The FDA calls the plan “significant.”
The New York Times calls it “major.”
I call it ridiculous. And I’m being generous.
Currently, food producers can purchase all the antibiotics they want, over the counter. No prescription necessary. No questions asked.
Under the new plan, they will need a prescription from a licensed veterinarian.
Oh boy. Do you know how hard it will be to come by that prescription? About as hard as writing an e-mail. Hit “send.” Done.
That’s the first gigantic loophole. The second one is even larger.
The FDA has asked drug companies to change antibiotic drug labels. The new labels will inform vets and food producers that they should use the drugs for medical purposes only.
Notice that the FDA is “asking.” That’s right – they’re asking drug companies to voluntarily do something that will reduce sales of their drugs.
The drug companies have three months to tell the FDA if they’ll change their labels. And if the companies agree, they’ll be allowed THREE YEARS to make the changes.
Wow, FDA! Talk about an airtight plan!
These changes will do nothing to stop food producers from contaminating the food supply with antibiotics. And the FDA knows it.
Sources:
“FDA takes significant steps to address antimicrobial resistance” FDA News Release, 12/11/13, fda.gov
“F.D.A. Restricts Antibiotics Use for Livestock” Sabrina Tavernise, The New York Times, 12/11/13, nytimes.com
