Government Proposes Prohibition of Certain Antimicrobials for Animal Use

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has published a draft notification under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, proposing restrictions on specified antimicrobials and their formulations for animal use.

Key points include:

1. Proposes prohibition of the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of specified antimicrobial medicinal products for animal use.
2. The proposal covers the antibiotic groups Carboxypenicillins and Phosphonic Acid Derivatives.
3. The Central Government has stated that use of these antimicrobials in animals may involve risks to humans.
4. The Government has also stated that safer alternatives for animal use are available.
5. The draft notification has been published after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
6. The Central Government will consider objections and suggestions from affected persons.
7. Stakeholders may submit objections or suggestions within 30 days from the date the Gazette containing the draft notification is made available to the public.
8. The proposed restrictions are issued in the public interest under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.