In a decisive move to combat the rising threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has tightened permissible antibiotic residue limits across various food categories, including meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and aquaculture. This development, reported by the Sources, aims to address the alarming prevalence of ‘superbugs’—microbes that have developed resistance to standard treatments due to the overuse of antibiotics.
The revised guidelines will come into effect on April 1, 2025, marking the first significant update to antibiotic residue limits since 2011. The FSSAI’s decision reflects increasing concerns over public health, as India is reported to have one of the highest rates of antimicrobial resistance globally. The new norms entail lowering the allowable levels of antibiotic residues and expanding the list of drugs under the FSSAI’s scrutiny.
Also Read: Afcons Infrastructure IPO Falls Short: Debuts at 8% Discount on NSE
Microbial resistance is particularly problematic for diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, blood infections, and typhoid, which have seen a rise in antibiotic-resistant cases, according to an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report. This resistance complicates treatment options and poses a significant health risk to the population.
George Cheriyan, working president of the Consumers Protection Association (CPA), stated, “If enforced strictly, the regulations will ensure safer food products for consumers by setting stricter residue and contaminant limits across a variety of food items and help in dealing with antimicrobial resistance.”
In addition to tightening antibiotic regulations, the FSSAI has prohibited the use of antibiotics in honey production and revised acceptable chemical limits for ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol in several grains and coffee.
As the deadline approaches, food industry stakeholders and public health advocates are urging preparations for these changes to safeguard consumer health and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance in the community.
This initiative underscores the urgent need for stringent food safety measures in India, given the global challenge posed by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
 has tightened permissible antibiotic residue limits across various food categories, including meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and aquaculture. This development, reported by the Sources, aims to address the alarming prevalence of 'superbugs'—microbes that have developed resistance to standard treatments due to the overuse of antibiotics.The revised guidelines will come into effect on April 1, 2025, marking the first significant update to antibiotic residue limits since 2011. The FSSAI’s decision reflects increasing concerns over public health, as India is reported to have one of the highest rates of antimicrobial resistance globally. The new norms entail lowering the allowable levels of antibiotic residues and expanding the list of drugs under the FSSAI's scrutiny.){kind=link}