It sounds so good: “Farmers and ranchers will for the first time be required to get a prescription from a veterinarian before using antibiotics in cattle, pigs, chickens and other animals, federal food regulators announced on Wednesday,” according to the New York Times.
What?! You mean that using antibiotics as an additive in the feed of industrial farm animals will soon be a thing of the past? You’re actually telling me that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has finally been taking seriously the stark findings of scientific studies on antibiotic-resistant “suberbugs” linked to the consumption of antibiotics-laced meat and animal products?
Well, let’s hold our horses. First of all, how hard can it be for the behemoths that control the meat industry to get a prescription, or even two, from a veterinarian? Say, for a whole feedlot? I confess my ignorance, please do tell me. Second of all, and I have yet to decide whether that is even more ludicrous, clear labeling for a prescription requirement is left to the discretion of drug manufacturers. Yep, “voluntarily” is the key word here.
I’m afraid you’re going to have to do better, FDA.
If you’re reading this, please sign the petition to demand a ban on the sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics on food-producing animals.
