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FEED INDUSTRY RESPONDS TO 3-NITRO SALES SUSPENSION
Jun. 9, 2011
Source: AFIA news release
The American Feed Industry Association is closely monitoring the voluntary U.S. sales suspension of the FDA-approved animal drug 3-Nitro® (roxarsone). The medicated additive is an organic form of arsenic that is used to improve the rate of weight gain and feed efficiency in poultry and to control dysentery in swine. It also has approved indications for combination use with certain other medications as an effective aid in the prevention of coccidiosis in poultry.
FDA stressed that the levels of inorganic arsenic detected were very low and that continuing to eat chicken does not pose a health risk.
According to Alpharma, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc., roxarsone, is an organic arsenical and has been safely used for more than six decades to effectively improve the health and productivity of poultry and swine. Because the arsenic in roxarsone is organically bound, it is safe for producers, production animals, consumers and the environment. However, in a recent unpublished FDA study, the agency found extremely low levels of inorganic arsenic in the livers of treated chickens.
If the Food & Drug Administration and Pfizer are in agreement, AFIA fully supports the voluntary sales suspension of roxarsone until Pfizer has time to review and assess the FDA study, and the study is peer reviewed and published. AFIA will keep the feed industry informed of further developments.
About AFIA
AFIA, based in Arlington, Va., is the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal feed industry and its suppliers. Founded in 1909, AFIA also is the recognized leader on international industry developments. Members include more than 500 domestic and international companies and state, regional and national associations. Member-companies are livestock feed and pet food manufacturers, integrators, pharmaceutical companies, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers and companies which supply other products, services and supplies to feed manufacturers.
The feed industry makes a major contribution to food safety, nutrition and the environment, and it plays a critical role in the production of healthy, wholesome meat, milk, fish and eggs and pets. More than 70 percent of the feed in the United States is manufactured by AFIA members.
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