Antibiotic colistin banned for food producing animals

Following which the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the government's top advisory body on technical matters related to drugs in the country considered the matter and recommended

prohibiting the said drug, the notification stated. The Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in public interest to prohibit manufacture, sale and distribution

of the drug Colistin and its formulations for food producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplements. The notification read: The ministry also directed that manufacturer

of the drug and its formulations shall label the container of the drug and mention the words “not to be used in food producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplements ” in

conspicuous manner on the package insert and promotional literature of the said drug and its formulations. According to a ministry official, the antibiotic is being used as a last resort

for treatment of patients suffering from infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. "Colistin is an antibiotic for therapeutic purpose in veterinary. But the drug is highly misused

in poultry industry as a growth promoter for prophylactic purpose.One of the reason for antibiotic resistance in India is due to unwanted use of Colistin in poultry industry. This

notification will prevent use of the drug for prophylactic use," the official said. _(This story was auto-published from a syndicated feed. Only the title and image have been edited by_

_FIT_ _.)_