Antibiotics in animal feed

Since the 1970s, the Commission has prohibited the use of more than 20 antibiotics as growth agents in animal feed. Only monensin sodium, salinomycin-sodium, flavophospholipol and avilamycin were still allowed. Nonetheless, expressing its concern regarding the increasing health risks due to resistance to antibiotics, the Scientific Steering Committee has recommended decreasing, and finally, abolishing the use of antibiotics as growth agents. The Commission is now proposing to exclude antibiotics from the new legislation on additives in animal feed and to adopt a transitory period for the progressive elimination of the four remaining antibiotics. These four substances will be prohibited beginning 01/01/2006.

European Commission | March 22, 2002

Tags:. .transitory. .sodium. .antibiotics. .nonetheless. .steering committee