End antimicrobial growth promotion and routine prophylactic use in food production

Regulators should prohibit antimicrobial use for growth promotion and restrict routine prophylactic treatment of groups of healthy animals. Therapeutic use should require a documented animal-health need, appropriate diagnosis, veterinary oversight, defined duration and records that can be audited.

Restrictions should be phased with animal-health support so producers do not relabel growth-promotion use as prevention or substitute other antibiotics. Policies must preserve animal welfare and legitimate treatment while reducing avoidable selection pressure.