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Keywords

antimicrobial, antimicrobe, Maryland, Food and Drug Administration, FDA, antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections, antimicrobial-resistant, bacterial infections, legislation, regulation, distribution, over-the-counter

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Antimicrobials have been used in livestock and other food animals in the United States (“U.S.”) since the late 1940s. An antimicrobial is “[a]ny natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic substance that can eradicate or prevent the growth of microbes,” including “[a]ntibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral medications.” Antimicrobial use in food animals is subject to a complex statutory and regulatory framework at both the state and federal levels. Antimicrobial use in food animals has been widely criticized for contributing to antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in humans. In response to this criticism, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and several states, including Maryland, have passed laws and adopted regulations restricting the use of medically important antimicrobials in food animals, including aquaculture species..

However, due to the drafting of legislation and regulations, there is confusion among retail stores that previously sold antimicrobials over-the-counter. This article will discuss the federal and Maryland state laws and regulations on antimicrobial use and distribution. This article also provides several state laws that the Maryland General Assembly could model future legislation on to help clarify when and if a retail store can continue to sell antimicrobials for use in food animals.

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