The European ban on antibiotic growth promoters in animal feed: From challenges to opportunities

摘要

Between 1960 and 2000 the worlds?pig production doubled and poultry production has almost quadrupled (FAO, 2010). During this period, the majority of pig and poultry feeds contained antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) as a tool for the efficient production of livestock. However, the role of AGPs in the emergence of antibiotic resistance in humans has been questioned, and on the basis of the 憄recautionary principle?(Turndige, 2004) the European Commission decided to ban AGPs.1 The last phase of the EU-wide ban on AGPs in animal feed took effect 4 years ago (EC Regulation No. 1831/2003). The ban has had a marked impact on livestock production.