Representative Pushes for Bill to Monitor Antibiotic Use

US - The Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member, Henry A. Waxman has announced plans to introduce legislation to increase information on the amount and use of antibiotics in animals raised for human consumption.
calendar icon 18 October 2012
clock icon 2 minute read

The bill, the 'Delivering Antibiotic Transparency in Animals (DATA) Act', will provide critical information to the FDA about the amounts and types of antibiotics being fed to livestock. Republican Waxman made the announcement at a press conference in Santa Monica where he was joined by Chef Mary Sue Milliken of Border Grill Restaurant, Chef Nancy Silverton of Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza, Dr Brad Spellberg of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, and Jean Halloran of Consumers Union.

“We need reliable information about the use of antibiotics in agricultural operations,” said Mr Waxman. “The more we learn, the graver the threat becomes from overuse of antibiotics by industrial-scale farms. We need this information so scientists and Congress can stop the spread of drug-resistant infections from farm animals to humans.”

The bill will require drug manufacturers to provide comprehensive information to FDA on how their drugs are used on farms. The legislation will also require reporting by feed mills for the first time. Virtually all antibiotic consumption on farms comes through feeds mixed with antibiotics. The bill will require feed mills to submit data to FDA on the types, purposes, and quantities of antibiotics being given to animals through feed.

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