Abstract

Antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feed have been permitted in European Union member countries for the past 50 years. However, concerns about the development of antimicrobial resistance and the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from animal to human microbiota have resulted in the European Union withdrawing approval for antibiotics as growth promoters since January 1, 2006. This report examines the history of European legislation on the use of antibiotics in poultry feeds, from the first harmonisation by Directive 70/524 to the deletion of these substances from the European Register of additives permitted in feeds by Regulation 1831/2003. The European Union’s support for World Health Organization, Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Organization for Animal Health recommendations for a ban on antimicrobial use in animal feeds is expected to encourage other countries to do the same.