To: Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, FDA Commissioner

FDA: Ban Misuse of Antibiotics on Factory Farms

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics on factory farms contributes to the growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, making it harder to treat infections and save lives.

Each year, 2 million people fall ill and 23,000 people die from drug-resistant infections. Tell the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to stop the overuse of antibiotics on factory farms.

Why is this important?

Antibiotics are a miracle of modern medicine, and are designed to be given in precise doses, to treat specific illnesses and infections. However, 80% of antibiotics are used on farms, and the bulk of that on healthy animals, administered through the animals’ feed. It’s done to promote growth and prevent illness, allowing animals to be kept in confined spaces that fall short on cleanliness.

The World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association, and other leading medical groups all warn that the routine use of antibiotics in food animals presents a serious and growing threat to human health.

The FDA has the authority to stop this misuse of antibiotics on factory farms to protect our health.