Antibiotics levels in meat specified

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The Union ministry of health has notified amendments to the Food Safety & Standards (Contaminants, Toxins & Residues) Regulations, 2011 on 7th November, 2017. The notification contains maximum permissible limits of various antibiotics in meat and meat products including chicken.

Anti microbial resistance is a matter of global concern with the exposure of humans to antibiotics used in meat and poultry products often contributing to the development of their resistance to commonly used antibiotics. India is in the process of adopting a policy that is mainly based on tracking of patients and sale of antibiotics.

In the newly notified amendments, maximum permissible limits of 37 antibiotics and 67 other veterinary drugs are prescribed for chicken.

The government has invited objections and suggestions from all the stakeholders including general public within 30 days of the notification i.e. by 6th December, 2017.  The objections & 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 which will make it the official law of the land