Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by The Health Master
Antibiotics
Following the recent ban on drug formulations containing Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans for use in food-producing animals, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued a letter to state regulatory bodies.
The letter highlights the need for “strict vigilance” towards these banned drugs for food safety and public health across India.
Health Ministry’s Decisive Action
Just weeks after the Health Ministry, acting on the recommendations of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), announced a prohibition on the sale, distribution, import, manufacturing, and use of any drug formulations containing Chloramphenicol or Nitrofurans intended for food animals, the CDSCO is moving swiftly to ensure compliance vide notification No. S.O. 1158(E) dated 12-03-2025.
DCGI Issues letter to State Drug Regulators
In a formal communication, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued a letter to state drug regulators to intensify their oversight.
The letter mandates them “to keep strict vigil on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of these banned drugs, i.e., Chloramphenicol and its formulations, Nitrofuran and its formulations, to prevent use in any food-producing animals.”
The notification is reproduced as follows:
“Whereas the Central Government is satisfied that the use of drug formulations containing Chloramphenicol or Nitrofurans drugs are likely to involve risk in any food producing animal rearing system, whereas safer alternatives to the said drugs are available;”
“And, whereas, the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest to prohibit the import, manufacture, sale and distribution of all formulations containing Chloramphenicol or Nitrofurans drugs for use in any food producing animal rearing system;”
“Now, therefore, in exercise of powers conferred by section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, the Central Government hereby prohibits the import, manufacture, sale and distribution of the following drugs, for use in any food producing animal rearing system, with immediate effect, namely -“
- “(1) Chloramphenicol and its formulations; and
- (2) Nitrofurans and its formulations.”
The Health Ministry has clearly articulated the rationale behind this significant decision.
The Gazette notification stated that “The use of drug formulations containing Chloramphenicol or Nitrofurans in any food-producing animal rearing system poses potential health risks, whereas safer alternatives to these drugs are available.”
Also read related news: Landmark Ban: Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans Banned for Food Animals
Potential Health Risks Associated with Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans
While Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans are effective antibiotics used to combat bacterial infections in animals, their use in food-producing animals has been linked to several concerning health issues in humans who consume products from these animals.
Understanding the risks:
Chloramphenicol: This antibiotic, while effective against bacterial infections, carries the risk of serious side effects, including bone marrow suppression and diarrhea.
Nitrofurans: Used to treat urinary infections and as antibacterials in food-producing animals, these drugs also pose potential health risks when residues are consumed.
Q: What are the potential risks of consuming food with chloramphenicol or nitrofurans residues?
A: These drugs can cause various health problems, including bone marrow suppression (chloramphenicol) and other adverse reactions.
Q: Why was this ban implemented now?
A: The ban was implemented after thorough review and evidence of misuse, with the goal of protecting public health.
Q: Are there alternatives to these antibiotics for animal rearing?
A: Yes, the government has stated that safer alternatives are available.
Q: What is the residue limit set by FSSAI?
A: The extraneous maximum residue limit of 0.001 mg/kg will be applicable except for chloramphenicol for which it shall be 0.0003mg/ kg.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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