Jumoke Olasunkanmi
Days after announcing the ban of paraquat herbicide and Gentian Violet (GV) in animal feed, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued another directive banning the use of atrazine herbicide and colistin in animal feeds.
Atrazine is a herbicide used to control grasses and prevent the emergence of broadleaf weed in crops like maize, soya beans and sugarcane.
However, atrazine has been found to be hazardous as residue on vegetables can be toxic to humans and the environment.
It has also been found to have negative effects on the reproductive system, endocrine destruction, cancer as well as skin irritation.
NAFDAC added that the harmful composition of atrazine is one of the reasons for the rejection of farm produce by the European Union.
Also, colistin is an antibiotics used to treat bacterial diseases such as salmonella and Escherichia coli in animals.
However, according to the agency, the excessive use of antimicrobial in animal production contributes to the global rise of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)- a growing global health concern. The ban on colistin in animal feeds is aimed at curbing the overuse of this antibiotic and reducing the risk of AMR.
