Boston MA - June 25, 2015 - (Newswire.com)
The Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA), the leading global non-governmental organization fighting to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobial medicines, announced its second Honor Roll of companies that are responsibly working to limit the use of antibiotics in production of their products. Antibiotics are commonly used in the food animal industry to promote growth, but this contributes to dangerous antibiotic resistance that is rapidly leading to a future where these drugs can no longer cure infections and killer epidemics run rampant. The companies cited by APUA work to select antibiotic-free food ingredients. They are:
- Costco
- McDonald’s
- Perdue Farms
- Smithfield
- Tyson
“Through their leadership and best practices, these companies strive for healthful quality and assert pressure on the food animal industry to stop overusing antibiotics for non-therapeutic purposes and growth promotion,” said APUA President and distinguished microbiologist, Dr. Stuart B. Levy. “Antibiotics may be used to treat sick animals, but ensuring proper and clean living conditions can even further minimize this use,” he continued.
APUA’s Honor Roll project is consistent with Executive Order 13676 prioritizing Federal efforts to combat the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The Administration also issued the National Strategy on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology released a report with recommendations to address the crisis of the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. In March 2015, the Administration released the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, a comprehensive plan that identifies critical actions for key Federal departments and agencies to enhance diagnosis and treatment and limit the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
While U.S. federal laws are moving in the right direction, more can still be done. APUA applauds these Honor Roll companies that are taking the initiative to commit to more stringent controls on antibiotic use in food production. The honored companies were chosen based on their antibiotic practices and guarantees.
About APUA
With affiliated chapters in over 65 developed and developing countries, APUA conducts research, education and advocacy programs to control antimicrobial resistance and ensure access to effective antibiotics. The Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA) is the leading global non-governmental organization fighting to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs since 1981. http://www.apua.org.
Contact:
Jane A. Kramer
781-799-9524
jane.kramer@tufts.edu
Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics
8th Floor 132 Harrison St.
Boston
MA 02111
United States
Press Release Service by Newswire.com
Original Source: APUA Names 2015 HONOR ROLL Companies that Responsibly Limit Antibiotic Use in Food Products
