NAFDAC prohibits antibiotics and gentian violet as mold inhibitors in animal feed

InfoStride News reports that the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recently issued a significant policy aimed at restricting the use of various antibiotics and gentian violet as mold inhibitors in animal feed.

This directive, which was issued by the Director General of NAFDAC, is in response to a growing concern regarding the consumption of mold-infested feed by livestock, leading to fungal diseases like mycosis and mycotoxicosis.

Gentian violet, a substance commonly used as an antiseptic dye to treat skin fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot, has been found to be added to animal feed to prevent fungal infections. However, NAFDAC has raised concerns about the safety of using gentian violet in animal feed, as it is not generally recognized as safe for this purpose due to its potential toxicity and potential links to cancer risks.

The directive also highlights the global issue of antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause diseases in humans. While the misuse of antibiotics in human medicine is the primary cause of antibiotic resistance, the directive notes that antibiotic-resistant bacteria originating in animals also contribute to this problem, especially in certain species of bacteria.

To address these concerns, NAFDAC has made the decision to ban the use of all classes of antibiotics and gentian violet as mold inhibitors in animal feed.

Understanding Fungal Infections in Livestock

Fungal infections are a common problem in the livestock industry. These infections are often a result of livestock consuming animal feed that has become infested with molds, which are a type of fungi. To control and prevent these issues, it is crucial to inhibit the growth of fungal species in animal feed. This is typically achieved through the use of commercially available fungal inhibitors and ensuring proper storage conditions for animal feed and feeding stuff.

In summary, NAFDAC’s recent directive regarding the use of antibiotics and gentian violet in animal feed underscores the importance of safeguarding animal and public health by addressing the potential risks associated with these substances. It highlights the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety of animal feed and the prevention of fungal infections in livestock, which can have far-reaching implications for both the agricultural and health sectors.