Pork industry group raises concerns about FDA antimicrobial rankings

The National Pork Producers Council recently submitted comments to the FDA on a concept paper from the agency that aims to rank antimicrobials based on their importance to human health.

NPPC says the FDA should rank antimicrobials separately for livestock and companion animals, rather than in one system as the agency has proposed.

“When considering the potential risk of antimicrobial use in food animals, the foodborne route of transmission needs to be the primary factor considered versus direct animal contact transmission in the case of companion animals,” the organization said.

The FDA’s approach to the concept paper “raises significant concerns for pork producers who work with veterinarians to ensure animal health and provide a safe and affordable food supply,” the organization said. “We urge FDA to reconsider this approach and work with stakeholders to refine the ranking of antimicrobials with consideration for the true potential risk of AMR transmission to humans through use in food animals.”

NPPC’s full comments can be found on the organization’s website.