New Delhi, Jun 25 (KNN) In a move to address the misuse of certain antibiotics in animal husbandry, the Indian government is contemplating a comprehensive ban on the production, import, and distribution of chloramphenicol and nitrofurans for use in food-producing animals.

These antibiotics, commonly used to treat bacterial and urinary infections in humans, have reportedly been misused in poultry and other animal feed supplements, raising concerns about antibiotic resistance and food safety, reported ET.

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), India's premier drug advisory body, is expected to deliberate on the proposed ban in the near future.

This follows discussions by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC), where members agreed on the need for prohibitive measures due to the widespread misuse of these drugs in animal feed.

The issue gained traction after the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) submitted a representation to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying last year.

Subsequently, the Empowered Committee on Animal Health considered the matter, leading to a memorandum from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in October, expressing no objection to a total ban.

Following these developments, the MPEDA has requested the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to implement the committee's recommendation.

A source familiar with the matter stated, "The DTAB will ultimately address this issue, after which a formal notification is expected to be issued."

If implemented, this ban could have significant implications for the animal husbandry sector and potentially impact food safety standards in India.

(KNN Bureau)