IDF Launches A New Framework For Responsible Use Of Antimicrobial Agents Along The Dairy Supply Chain

15 Mar 2013 --- Good practices at farm level are essential to ensure that both the needs of the food industry and the expectations of consumers are met. In an effort to help key players in the dairy supply chain produce safe and high quality milk, The International Dairy Federation (IDF) has now published a Guide to Prudent Use of Antimicrobial Agents in Dairy Production.

This Guide provides a framework for the dairy industry to manage the risks associated with treatments necessary for good animal health and welfare. It provides an overview of relevant Good Agricultural Practices, as well as targeted factsheets for dairy farmers, veterinarians, food processing and pharmaceutical companies and competent authorities.

The Guide is being presented at the OIE Global Conference on the Responsible and Prudent Use of Antimicrobial Agents for Animals, an important opportunity to disseminate the Guide’s key messages. Dr Jeremy Hill, IDF President, commented: “I’m very pleased that IDF collaborated with OIE to develop these guidelines for improving the care of milking animals. It is fundamental that milk and meat are produced from healthy animals with controlled use of antimicrobial agents.”

This Guide complements the FAO/IDF Guide to Good Dairy Farming Practice which provides a framework for on-farm quality-assurance programmes, focusing both on consumer safety and the image of the dairy sector. “In line with this Guide, the new guidelines focus on prevention and management of food safety outcomes. They are a major collaborative and integrated effort and I encourage everyone in the industry to adopt and use the new Guide.” added the IDF President.

The Guide has been developed under the leadership of the IDF Standing Committee on Residues and Chemical Contaminants. Helen Dornom led the IDF Action Team that developed the Guidelines. “Key players in the regulation, supply and use of antimicrobial agents at farm level were consulted throughout the process to ensure the guide is robust. Everybody involved was keen to collaborate and very motivated.”