National Alliance for Hispanic Health - Comment

June 30, 2010 Leslie Kux, Acting Assistant Commissioner Office of Policy U.S. Food and Drug Administration Division of Dockets Management (HFA– 305) Food and Drug Administration 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061 Rockville, MD 20852 Attention: Docket No. FDA–2010–D–0094 RE: Comments on the Judicious Use of Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs in Food-Producing Animals; Availability Dear Ms. Kux, Thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments on Draft Guidance: The Judicious Use of Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs in Food-Producing Animals; Availability. The National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance) strongly supports the FDA’s stance in the Draft Guidance that all antimicrobial drugs for animals and people be used judiciously, meaning only when necessary and appropriate, and that using antimicrobial drugs to increase production in food-producing animals is not a judicious use. The Alliance shares the FDA’s view that the development of resistance to this important class of drugs, and the resulting loss of their effectiveness, poses a serious public health threat that may be partially addressed through their judicious use in food-producing animals. As such, the Alliance supports the FDA’s recommendations that the use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals be limited to situations where the antimicrobial drugs are necessary for assuring animal health and include veterinary oversight or consultation. On behalf of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, I appreciate the opportunity to submit these comments. If I can be of further assistance on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me or Allison Tombros Korman, Senior Policy and Program Manager, at (202) 797-4357. Sincerely, Jane L. Delgado, Ph.D., M.S. President and CEO National Alliance for Hispanic Health