One More Step Towards food safety – FSSAI limits Antibiotic Use in Food-Producing Animals

The recent increased demand for animal-origin protein has led to an intensification of animal production. Different methods are used to improve the production, Antibiotics are one of them. The overall use of antibiotics has increased recently to improve productivity and profitability. Additionally, antimicrobials are used in huge proportions for treating specific diseases or infections in animals, during stress conditions, to improve immunity, or as general growth promoters.

While the use of antibiotics is crucial, its overuse or misuse leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The increased AMR can impact the effectiveness of antimicrobials against pathogens. This might fail treatment, and increase the severity of the disease impacting animal welfare and eventually leading to economic losses. The excess use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals increases the risk of the spread of AMR toward important pathogens in human beings consuming these food products. It can be transmitted via the food chain or environmental factors. According to the WHO report of 2019, it is assessed that AMR was directly responsible for approximately 1.27 million global deaths and was indirectly responsible for around 4.95 million deaths.

India has taken a significant step to reduce the impact of AMR by introducing new regulations. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released an amendment on 17 October 2024 stating that the use of some antimicrobials for the production of animal-based food products is not permitted. Also, the authority has changed the Maximum Residual Limits of antimicrobials in food-producing animals. These new regulations will be enforced from 1 April 2025.

According to old regulations, the use of antibiotics was forbidden only during food processing. However, the new rules prohibit the use in the entire production cycle. This supports the efforts of FSSAI to enhance food safety and reduce AMR. Along with meat, poultry, eggs, and aquaculture products, antibiotics are also banned in milk, and milk products to improve food safety.

Antibiotics that have been completely prohibited to use in food animal production:

Classes of antibiotics

• Glycopeptides,
• Nitrofurans,
• Nitroimidazoles

Specific antibiotics

• Carbadox,
• Chloramphenicol,
• Colistin,
• Streptomycin (and its metabolite dihydrostreptomycin),
• Sulphamethoxazole,

The amendment also updates the list of tolerance limits of antimicrobials and other veterinary drugs in food from animal sources. Specifically, six new antibiotics, amoxicillin, cephalexin, gentamicin, penicillin G/ benzylpenicillin, sulfamethazine, and sulfadimethoxine have been added to the existing list of antibiotics.

The ban on antimicrobial use and strict testing by the authorities can help to reduce the spread and impact of AMR. By prohibition of antibiotics, India aims to support the global efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the risk of AMR and promote sustainable food production.

Along with prohibitions of antibiotics, there is a need for the development of new alternatives for growth and disease prevention in animals. Natural products can be good alternatives for the same. Natural components like plant-based phytochemicals, essential oils, probiotics, and other bioactive compounds show antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties supporting overall welfare while maintaining food safety.

Incorporating natural solutions and maintaining regulatory compliance into animal farming practices can help reduce AMR while protecting animal health.