What are FSANZ and other agencies doing about the use of antibiotics?
While recognising that most of the issues associated with antibiotics in food relate to the use in agriculture of antibiotic products, FSANZ is working with other government agencies and departments to develop a ‘whole of government’ strategy to implement the recommendations of the JETACAR report. In particular, FSANZ is helping to develop strategies that address the problem of contamination control in food handling to reduce the transfer of bacteria – including antibiotic resistance bacteria – from animals to food. Recently Food Safety Standards have been introduced which aim to facilitate hygienic practices in the production, manufacturing, transport and handling of food. The standards have been designed to reduce the transfer of pathogens to food. Other agencies are also concerned with this issue. For example, APVMA specifies label directions for antibiotic use in food animals, which are enforced by the States and Territories. Prudent use programs for veterinarians and quality assur
