The Health Ministry has banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of antibiotic, Colistinand its formulations for food producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplementsin a bid to preserve the drug's efficacy in humans.
The ban has been imposed under provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and a notification in this regard has been issued by the Centre.
According to the notification, it was brought to the notice of the Central government that the use of the drug Colistin and its formulations for food producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplements is likely to involve risk to human beings.
Following which theDrug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the government's top advisory body on technical matters related to drugs in the countryconsidered the matter and recommended prohibiting the said drug, the notification stated.
"The Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in public interest to prohibit manufacture, sale and distribution of the drug Colistin and its formulations for food producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplements.
"Now, therefore, in exercise of powers conferred by section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 the government herebyprohibits manufacture, sale and distribution of the following drug with immediate effect, Colistin and its formulations for food producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplements," the notification read.
The ministry also directedthat manufacturer of the drug and its formulations shall label the container of the drug and mention the words not to be used in food producing animals, poultry, aqua farming and animal feed supplements in conspicuous manner on the package insert and promotional literature of the said drug and its formulations.
According to a ministry official,theantibiotic is being used as a last resort for treatment of patients suffering from infections caused bydrug-resistant bacteria.
"Colistin is an antibiotic for therapeutic purpose in veterinary. But the drug is highly misused in poultry industry as a growth promoter for prophylactic purpose.One of the reason for antibiotic resistance in India is due to unwanted use of Colistin in poultry industry. This notification will prevent use of the drug for prophylactic use," the official said.