NMPF Submits Joint Letter to White House Regarding Antibiotic Use on Farms
September 4, 2009
NMPF Submits Joint Letter to White House Regarding Antibiotic Use on Farms
On August 14, NMPF joined a coalition of 19 other agricultural organizations to submit a letter to the White Houseurging the Obama Administration to consider the significant political and scientific complexity of the use of antibiotics on farms to prevent, treat, and control disease in food producing animals. The organizations, representing American food producers and the industries that serve them, asked for continuing discussion about the specifics of the issue and exploring what science-based, practical options were open to industry and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
No conclusive scientific studies have demonstrated that the use of antibiotics on farms contributes significantly to an increase in human resistance. A growing body of evidence shows just the opposite, namely the responsible, professional use of these products reduces pathogens in and on foods, enhancing animal welfare while not contributing to resistance.
