Article

FDA limits some antibiotics in livestock

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday ordered farmers to limit the use of a type of antibiotics they give livestock because it could make people more resistant to a key antibiotic that can save lives, encouraging news for public health advocates who say such animal antibiotics are overused.

January 4, 2012

Publication: The Associated Press

Author: Mary Clare Jalonick

The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday ordered farmers to limit the use of a type of antibiotics they give livestock because it could make people more resistant to a key antibiotic that can save lives, encouraging news for public health advocates who say such animal antibiotics are overused.

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Laura Rogers of the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming says the issue is "often more emotional than intellectual."

To farmers, she says, it often seems that public health advocates are telling them how to do their jobs. But she said the need for change will be even greater as the market responds to consumer demand - grocery stores and restaurants now tout antibiotic-free meats.

"While this announcement today is a great first step," Rogers said, "more work needs to be done."

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Read the full article FDA limits some antibiotics in livestock on The Seattle Times Web site.