By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: FDA’s Farm Animal Antibiotics Ban Ignored Since 1977, Courts Say
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Public Health > FDA’s Farm Animal Antibiotics Ban Ignored Since 1977, Courts Say
BusinessNewsPublic Health

FDA’s Farm Animal Antibiotics Ban Ignored Since 1977, Courts Say

HerinaAyot
HerinaAyot
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

The Food and Drug Administration must act – and quickly – to enforce a largely ignored 35-year-old mandate prohibiting non-medical use of antibiotics in farm animals, a federal court judge ruled last week.

The Food and Drug Administration must act – and quickly – to enforce a largely ignored 35-year-old mandate prohibiting non-medical use of antibiotics in farm animals, a federal court judge ruled last week.

In 1977, the FDA issued an order banning the use of penicillin and tetracycline in farm animals after concluding that overexposure of the drugs in animals weakened the treatment’s effectiveness on humans. The mandate may have passed, but fierce pushback from farmers and lobbyists halted enforcement of it, as groups successfully argued that antibiotics are needed to keep animals healthy.

Many public health advocates dispute the claim, and believe non-medical use of antibiotics, mixed into farm feed, is a direct cause in the surge of drug-resistant bacteria and ‘superbugs.’

More Read

What To Know About The Importance Of Healthcare Marketing
Mobile Health Around the Globe: Healthcare Technology in the 21st Century
What If Shared Decision Making Costs More?
Getting Cozy with Hannah Shippen – Supporting Mental Health
Seize the Moment for Patient-Centered Care

Natural food producers, safety awareness organizations and consumer advocacy groups have taken frequent action against the FDA, and in May 2011 the Natural Resources Defense Council sued the FDA for failure to enforce the law. Despite FDA claims that new mandates, such as requiring veterinarian consultation before delivering the drugs, the federal court ruling now forces the FDA to begin steps to actually withdraw approval of antibiotic use in farm animals. The ruling will not immediately stop the practice, but will force regulators and drug makers to hold public hearings, which may be the first steps in changing the nature of farm animal care.

Several media outlets reported on issues leading up to the ruling and the fallout in the past few days, offering various perspectives.

Here are some highlights:

The New York Times gives a summary of the ruling, what is expected of the Executive Branch, what public hearings must come, and follows the legal history of antibiotics use in farm feed.

The Chicago Tribune discusses the power of social media in identifying non-kosher activity in the food industry.

The International Business Times explores the issue of superbugs within the backdrop of the Society for General Microbiology conference.

NPR discusses animal antibiotic standards and practices in Europe. The piece takes a special look at Denmark, described as a “pork powerhouse.”

ABC News lists the most dangerous superbugs and the origin of the issue.

 

TAGGED:antibioticsdrug-resistant bacteriafarm animals
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025
Choosing the Right Swimwear for Health and Safety
News
September 30, 2025
sports concussions
Concussion In Sports: How Common They Are And What You Need To Know
Infographics
September 28, 2025

You Might also Like

6 Lessons from the World Cup for Medical Device Companies

July 24, 2014
Business

The Consumer Impact Of Health Care Mergers

July 29, 2019
medical errors
NewsPolicy & Law

Are Medical Misdiagnoses Common & How Bad Are They?

August 2, 2022
health cost
Health ReformPolicy & LawPublic Health

Health Insurance Under the Exchanges: What Will You Pay?

June 11, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?