To ensure that the residue of antibiotics in meat does not lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance in humans, India’s Federal Ministry of Health aims to cap the maximum acceptable limits of antibiotics in food from animal sources.

Accordingly, the ministry has sent a notification to the state-owned  which suggested, “maximum permissible limits of 37 antibiotics and 67 other veterinary drugs be prescribed for chicken.”

The industry body invited all stakeholders, including the general public, to submit their input on this issue by December 6. All comments received will be evaluated by a scientific panel, who will then make its recommendations. Once the Food Safety and Standards Authority approves of the changes, India’s Ministry of Health will make amendments to the law.

Globally, use of antibiotic and pharmacologically active substances are prohibited in food stuff of animal-origin including fish and fisheries products, reports FoodMarketing&Technology.