Dive Brief:
- California has passed a bill to restrict the regular use of antibiotics for disease prevention for livestock and ban antibiotics used to fatten up animals — the most stringent government standards on antibiotics used for livestock production in the U.S.
- "[The bill] also aims to stop over-the-counter sale of antibiotics for livestock use. Under the new rules, antibiotics would have to be ordered by a licensed veterinarian," Reuters reported.
- The bill goes into effect Jan. 1, 2018.
Dive Insight:
"Additionally, California's Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will be required to monitor antibiotic sales and use. CDFA will gain authority to collect information on antibiotic use in livestock production and to develop best practices," according to Reuters.
California has the third-highest value for its meat, milk, eggs, and other livestock products in the U.S., and the state is often at the forefront of health and environmental activist issues, so it's no surprise that California's government took up the antibiotics cause.
Earlier this year, the FDA reported a significant 20% increase in sales of antibiotics used for food animals between 2009 and 2013.
In March, the White House released an aggressive five-year "superbug" and antibiotics plan, and in June, the White House hosted a summit, the Forum on Antibiotic Stewardship, to discuss antibiotic resistance and superbugs with food producers and other interested parties.
California's decision also follows several companies' own moves toward rearing antibiotic-free animals or reducing the amount of antibiotics in their meat supply, including Tyson Foods and Pilgrim's Pride. Last month, Perdue Farms also announced its acquisition of the Niman Ranch brand, which would expand Perdue's portfolio of antibiotic-free meat products as well as cage-free eggs.