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.
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:
About BCCMB: About BCCMB: The British Columbia Chicken Marketing Board (BCCMB) is a non-profit agricultural commodity board that monitors and regulates the production and marketing of chicken in British Columbia. Every year we licence over 325 broiler quota holders in BC and 15 primary poultry processors. We also provide permits to approximately 200 small-lot holders who grow 2,000 birds or less.