The use of antibiotics in Canadian agriculture is heavily regulated. As in human health, antibiotics are used if a flocks’ health is at risk. All antibiotics must be approved for use by Health Canada or by direction of a veterinary prescription. Farmers must follow strict protocols on withdrawal periods to ensure residues do not enter the food chain.
Chicken Farmers’ of Canada’s is committed to the responsible use of antibiotics as part of its mandatory On-farm Food Safety Program, which has received full federal, provincial and territorial government recognition. All commercial chicken farmers in BC are certified under this program for more than 10 years.
To learn more, watch this video:
You can read more in-depth information about antibiotics on the Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Antibiotics page.
In 2010, all Canadian poultry sectors developed an antibiotic strategy to control, monitor and reduce the use of antibiotics. Some of Chicken Farmers of Canada’s activities so far include: