The Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture in Bahrain has recently issued a new decree that regulates the import, distribution, and use of veterinary pharmaceuticals in the poultry and food-producing animal sectors. This decree specifically bans the import, distribution, and use of growth-promoting antibiotics and antibacterial agents by entities involved in these industries. The goal of this decree is to improve food safety and animal health within Bahrain.
Under the new decree, the dispensing of veterinary pharmaceuticals can only be done with a prescription issued by a licensed veterinarian in Bahrain. The prescription must include the veterinarian’s name, address, signature, and the date of issuance. Additionally, veterinary pharmacies are required to maintain a detailed register documenting the quantities of veterinary pharmaceuticals received and dispensed. This register must include the name of the prescribing veterinarian and the date of dispensing, and prescriptions must be kept for one year from the date of dispensing.
Violations of the decree’s provisions will be subject to penalties outlined in Law No. (19) of 2014 concerning veterinary pharmaceuticals within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. By implementing these regulations, Bahrain aims to ensure the responsible use of veterinary pharmaceuticals and promote the health and safety of food-producing animals. This will help in preventing the misuse of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals that can have harmful effects on animals and humans.
The decree serves as a step towards enhancing food safety standards in Bahrain by regulating the use of veterinary pharmaceuticals in the poultry and food-producing animal sectors. By requiring prescriptions issued by licensed veterinarians and maintaining detailed records of pharmaceuticals dispensed, the government aims to ensure that these products are used responsibly and in accordance with regulations. This will help in preventing the excessive use of antibiotics and antibacterial agents, which can lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance and pose risks to both animal and human health.
The new regulations aim to promote transparency and accountability in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry in Bahrain. By specifying the requirements for dispensing these products and outlining penalties for violations, the government is sending a clear message that the misuse or abuse of veterinary pharmaceuticals will not be tolerated. This will help in safeguarding the health and welfare of food-producing animals and ensuring that the products used in Bahrain’s poultry and animal production sectors meet international safety standards.
Overall, the new decree issued by the Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture in Bahrain represents a significant step towards improving food safety and animal health within the country. By regulating the import, distribution, and use of veterinary pharmaceuticals in the poultry and food-producing animal sectors, Bahrain aims to protect the health and welfare of animals and promote responsible practices within these industries. The implementation of these regulations will help in preventing the misuse of antibiotics and antibacterial agents, ultimately benefiting both animal and human populations in Bahrain.
