FDA’s Stance On Use Of Antibiotics In Farm Animals Draws Criticism. In an op-ed in the New York Times (7/31, A23, Reichl, Subscription Publication), Ruth Reichl, a food writer and author, strongly criticizes the FDA for its policy of allowing the use of antibiotics in animal feed, even if they “increases the risk of antibiotic resistance in people.” Reichl, a former restaurant critic for the New York Times, warns that indiscriminate use of antibiotics in farm animals to fatten them raises the risk of spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. She notes Thomas R. Frieden, the CDC director, has also warned about the threat posed from antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Reichl cites the example of some farms in the US and in Europe eschewing antibiotic use in favor of sustainable farming. She writes that while the FDA “continues to drag its feet, it’s time for cooks and consumers” to take the initiative and pressure food companies and others to use meat and poultry produced without antibiotics.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 12:24:19 +0000
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