DTAB Recommends Ban on 34 Antimicrobials for Animal Use, Seeks Report on 3 Exceptions
New Delhi: The Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recommended banning the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, and use of 34 antimicrobial medicinal products for animal use, with the exception of three categories: carboxypenicillins, cephalosporin combinations with beta-lactamase inhibitors, and phosphonic acid derivatives.
These antimicrobials are part of a list recognized by the European Union (EU) as "reserved" for the treatment of certain serious infections in humans only.
Additionally, the DTAB has requested the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) to urgently provide a report on the remaining three antimicrobials—carboxypenicillins, cephalosporin combinations with beta-lactamase inhibitors, and phosphonic acid derivatives—to support a well-informed decision-making process.
This came in line with the proposal for deliberation of matters pertaining to the prohibition of manufacturing, import, sale and distribution of 37 antimicrobial medicinal products (as laid down in the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1255) for growth purposes or yield increase in food-producing animals, which are reserved for the treatment of certain infections in humans.
The matter was discussed during the 92nd DTAB meeting held on April 24, 2025.
The board was apprised about the agenda. The board also noted that though these 37 antimicrobials have not been approved by CDSCO for veterinary use in the treatment of various diseases, these may be notified for prohibition in light of the request received from the Ministry of Commerce.
The representative from DAHD also explained the background on the issue. The board noted that DAHD has no objection to reserving 34 antimicrobials only for human use.
After detailed deliberation, DTAB recommended the following:
1. To prohibit the manufacture, import, sale, distribution and use of 34 antimicrobial medicinal products as laid out in EU regulation 2022/1255, except for 3 antimicrobials, viz., carboxypenicillins, combinations of cephalosporins with beta-lactamase inhibitors and phosphonic acid derivatives only, for animal use.
2. DAHD shall submit the report about these three antimicrobials at the earliest by providing the clear recommendations, which may be placed before the Chairman, DTAB for appropriate decision.
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