A few weeks ago, the FDA released a set of guidelines about the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals. When I first read the article headline I got all excited, but as I got in further I realised that this is not quite the miracle I was hoping for to green up our meat.

You can read the FDA report here, but in a nutshell, here’s what it involves:

Firstly, the guidelines they have released are just guidelines. They don’t carry any legislative power and are merely intended to reflect the thinking of the FDA at this time. This is basically a preliminary step that may lead to stronger directives later on.

The FDA are concerned about over-use of antibiotics in animals, as it can lead to increased resistance to disease in both the animals, and the humans who consume them. They have come up with two new principles to help address the problem:

1. That antibiotics should only be used in ways that assure animal health, and not to promote growth or increase feed efficiency

2. Antibiotic use should be overseen by qualified veterinarians

On the surface this sounds like a good step in the right direction. But when you think about it, even if these principles become legislated directives, they’re still a bit wishy-washy. The report touches on the value of drugs being administered only where necessary, to individual animals that show signs of needing them, but the fact is – feedlots could never run that way. Antibiotics are going to be broadly administered through feed as long as consumers want the prices to stay down.

There’s two things you can do. One, click on the link in the report (it’s on page 2) that takes you to the government site where you can comment on the topics covered in the report. Demand more stringent guidelines, and who knows – maybe the FDA will listen.

And two – this is much more effective really – vote with your feet and continue to buy grass-fed, responsibly sourced meat. Your heart will thank you for it too.

What do you think though – am I being too cynical? Are these guidelines really a great step forward towards a healthier meat industry? Leave us your comments below!

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