APUA Names HONOR ROLL Companies that Responsibly Limit Antibiotic Use in Food Products

BOSTON, Feb. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --- 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 first Honor Roll of companies that responsibly limit the use of antibiotics in their products. Antibiotics are commonly used in the food animal industry to promote growth but this contributes to dangerous antibiotic resistance that threatens a future where these drugs can no longer cure infections and killer epidemics run rampant.  The companies cited by APUA select antibiotic-free food ingredients. They are:

• Applegate
• Bell & Evans
• Chipotle
• Coleman Natural
• Heritage Acres Foods
• Niman Ranch
• Panera Bread
• Sweetgreen
• Whole Foods

"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.

Over a three-year period starting in 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will disallow the low-dose, continuous use of antibiotics over the life of the food animal. This common use in herds and flocks is deemed a powerful selective pressure that leads to the emergence of antibiotic resistance in the ecosystem. The FDA guidelines also require veterinary supervision and oversight to ensure more targeted use of antibiotics in food production. Still, humans continue to develop dangerous levels of antibiotic resistance from their food.

While our 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. www.apua.org.

Contact:

Jane A. Kramer
781-799-9524
[email protected]

SOURCE Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA)