The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has announced a nationwide ban on the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of drug formulations containing Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans for use in any food-producing animal rearing system. This decision was published on March 12, 2025 and comes into immediate effect.
The government has expressed concerns regarding the potential risks associated with the use of these drugs in animals intended for food production. The decision is based on the assessment that:
- The use of Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans poses a risk to public health.
- Safer alternatives to these drugs are readily available.
The ban is implemented under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and follows consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
The prohibited drugs include:
- Chloramphenicol and its formulations.
- Nitrofurans and its formulations.
This decision is driven by the need to:
- Protect consumers from potential residues of these drugs in food products.
- Ensure the safety of the food supply chain.
- Promote the use of safer alternatives in animal husbandry.
