The processor has developed a new global policy, aimed at affirming its status as a global safe food producer.
This new global vision on antibiotic use in animals is designed to affirm the sustainable production of safe and quality food. Through the vision, antimicrobials will be used responsibly, taking into account all factors of proper animal care. Usage must also be in line with sustainable development practices and consumer satisfaction.
Importantly, to use antimicrobials reasonably and responsibly, CPF is also placing emphasis on disease prevention practices that will minimise the need for antimicrobial use.
The new policy will require antimicrobials that are medically important for human medicine to be used only for therapeutic reasons on animals under veterinary oversight. It will also eliminate the use of shared-class antimicrobials, which are medically important for human medicine, for growth promotion purposes globally. Through the policy, CPF will also work with global experts and partner with all stakeholders to identify new and better ways to care for animals to enhance animal welfare and reduce the need for antimicrobials.
CPF is applying the policy throughout its global food supply chain and collaborating with all parties in appropriately protecting the health of people, animals and the global community under the ‘One Health’ approach.
Adirek Sripratak, chief executive officer of CPF, said the business signed the ‘Global Vision on Antimicrobials Use in Animals’, which is binding all business units in Thailand and elsewhere in the world, as part of the company's safe food production process under the ‘Kitchen of the World’ vision.
“Antibiotics use in animals has grasped global attention as it concerns food safety and public health,” said Sripratak. “Realising the importance, CPF has adopted these responsible use practices to do our part to minimise antimicrobial resistance risks. Our quest to improve the food safety system never stops. We are striving to advance the ‘One Health’ approach to protect the health of our people, animals and the planet. The global antibiotics vision will take effect immediately for implementation globally within 2020.”
CPF will also participate in Antibiotic Awareness Week at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters during 13-17 November 2017.