FDA announced a new plan to phase out use of "medically important antimicrobials in food animals for food production purposes," in response to concerns over antibiotic resistance. The agency says uses such as growth enhancement and improving feed efficiency are not acceptable, and veterinary oversight will be utilized in determining acceptable therapeutic uses.

The plan calls on animal pharmaceutical companies to revise the FDA-approved use conditions on the labels of medically important products to remove production indications, as well as changing the over-the-counter status of these drugs. FDA has asked pharmaceutical companies to notify the agency of their intent to sign on within three weeks. The companies would then begin a three-year transition process to come into compliance with the plan. For more information, read FDA's FAQ on the action.