Antibiotics usage in meat products under review, govt invites public opinion

New Delhi: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), had notified amendment to Food Safety & Standards (Contaminants, Toxins & Residues) Regulations, 2011 on 7th November 2017.

This notification contains maximum permissible limits of various antibiotics in meat and meat products including chicken. Maximum permissible limits of 37 antibiotics and 67 other veterinary drugs are prescribed for chicken.

Through this notification, objections and suggestions have been invited from all the stakeholders including general public within 30 days of the notification i.e. by 6th December 2017. The objections and suggestions received will be placed before the Scientific Panel of FSSAI on Residues of Pesticides and Antibiotics for consideration.

The recommendations of the Scientific Panel will be considered by the Scientific Committee and then the Food Authority for approval after which it will be notified in the Gazette of India with the approval of the Union Health Minister.