FDA to track antimicrobial sales

The United States Food and Drug Administration is tracking the sales of antimicrobials for farm use.

And in the most recent change, it says it will be asking for more information about the birds and animals being treated so it can make adjustments according to the type of animal – eg. pig or steer- and weight.

The agency said the proposed adjustment of annual sales data estimates will offer insights into broad shifts in the amount of antimicrobials sold for use in food-producing animals.

 It also should give the FDA a more nuanced view on why antimicrobial sales fluctuate over time specific to U.S. animal production, the agency said.


The new analysis is expected to support the FDA’s continuing efforts to encourage the judicious use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals and ensure that the products are available for animals and humans.