March 16, 2016

Malaysian association calls for local ban of antibiotics use in animal feed

Malaysia's Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has called for the country's Health Ministry and Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry to ban antibiotics use in animal feed.

Fast food chains should also eschew meats that are derived from livestock fed with antibiotics as this could benefit the resistance of bacteria found in human bodies, said SM Mohamed, president of CAP. He added that adequate proof is available to show that antibiotic-resistant bacteria can found in food products sold in Malaysia.

According to the official, a CAP survey in Kedah and Perlis discovered that antibiotic erythromycin (for treatment of diseases in humans) is widely available in shops selling animal feed. The antibiotic could also be acquired at pharmacies in rural areas without prescription.

"Antibiotic resistance is one the most serious health threat Malaysia faces. Infection from resistance bacteria are now common and some pathogens have even become resistant to multiple types or classes of antibiotics," Mohamed warned.

The CAP has requested authorities to set up a national system to monitor the application of antibiotics in animal feed as well as educating and training farmers on their use.

- Bernama