MPs move to tackle farm antibiotic overuse

Last month, The Alliance to Save our Antibiotics revealed shocking findings of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on samples of pork and chicken meat from major UK supermarkets.

On the back of these findings, MP Zac Goldsmith has now tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) encouraging his fellow MPs to join the call for action on antibiotics targeting UK supermarkets. It was submitted with cross-party support from MPs Caroline Spelman, Kerry McCarthy, David Warburton, Margaret Ritchie, and Caroline Lucas.

A welcome move

Emma Rose of the Alliance to Save our Antibiotics said: "In a positive and welcome move, MPs are expressing their concern around the lack of adequate supply chain policies on antibiotic-use. Supermarkets must commit to tackling this issue, and support their farmers to reduce and improve veterinary prescribing.”

The EDM specifically asks that retailers ban the routine preventative mass medication of groups of animals, and dramatically curb farm use of the ‘critically important’ antibiotics in their supply chains.

Retailer responsibility

Antibiotics are routinely used on intensive farms, to ward off disease in cramped and crowded conditions. This abuse is leading to an antibiotic-resistance crisis of global proportions. Political and retailer action is essential to tackle this threat.

Zac Goldsmith MP said: “The routine preventative mass medication of animals should have no place in the supply chain of any responsible retailer. I have no doubt that UK supermarkets will rise to this challenge, and will strive to ensure that the destruction of our antibiotics does not happen on their watch.”

Take action now: ask your MP to sign the EDM and take a stand against antibiotic overuse on farms!

The Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics is an alliance of health, medical, environmental and animal welfare groups working to stop the overuse of antibiotics in animal farming. It was founded by Compassion in World Farming, the Soil Association and Sustain in 2009, and is supported by the Jeremy Coller Foundation.