ANALYSIS - The use of antibiotics on farm has been causing concern among consumers, farmers, politicians and lobby groups for some time and it is starting to become a major crusade for some to restrict their use, writes Chris Harris.
Where it was once left to veterinary and medical groups to draw up guidelines over their use, now antibiotics and antibiotic resistance are at the centre of a heated political debate and calls for strict legislation and regulation.
The concern surrounds the liberal use of antibiotics as a blanket measure to prevent disease and in some countries the use as a growth promoter for some animals.
In the US, the campaign to restrict antibiotic use has been led by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter.
In her campaign among politicians and in the food and farming industry Congresswoman Slaughter said: "Very simply, consumers have a right to know what's in their food.
"The US is facing a growing public health crisis in the form of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and information about how these companies are contributing to its rise or resolution should be available to consumers."
The concern surrounds the liberal use of antibiotics as a blanket measure to prevent disease and in some countries the use as a growth promoter for some animals.
In the US, the campaign to restrict antibiotic use has been led by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter.
In her campaign among politicians and in the food and farming industry Congresswoman Slaughter said: "Very simply, consumers have a right to know what's in their food.
"The US is facing a growing public health crisis in the form of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and information about how these companies are contributing to its rise or resolution should be available to consumers."
