More than 150 scientists are criticizing the U.S. government
proposal to simply ask farmers to voluntarily be more responsible about using
antibiotics.
They say medical doctors have done their part, but farmers
have not, to reduce abuses of antibiotics that increase the incidence of
bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
“While we support the effort to renounce drug approvals for injudicious
uses, we cannot support a voluntary approach," they wrote.
"Too much is at risk to leave public health to the discretion of
those whose financial interests run counter to the aim of reducing drug use.
Moreover, the voluntary process could take more than five years and even then
might not lead to meaningful drug use reduction.”
A group of 50 farmers and ranchers issued their own
statement calling for an end to the use of antibiotics as growth promotants.
They said “we believe the imprudent use of antibiotics not only renders
antibiotics less effective or ineffective for sick farm animals, it also
threatens public health and the safety of our nation’s food supply.
“It is not only possible but actually economically viable to produce
meat, dairy products, and eggs that are safe to eat without continually dosing
animals with drugs they don’t need,” the farmers and ranchers wrote.
