Responsible use of antibiotics in animals
We absolutely want to prevent the further spread of antibiotic resistance. That is why we closely monitor the use of antibiotics in animals reared for our private label meat.
Prohibition of preventive antibiotics
The excessive or improper use of antibiotics is leading to increased resistance to antibiotics, which impairs the effectiveness of these drugs and therefore the health of humans and animals. Since 1999, our specifications have included a ban on the preventive administration of antibiotics to animals or their use to promote growth.
A measure that was adopted by the European Union in 2006. In Belgium, there is now a legal ban on preventive antibiotics and this medicinal product may only be used after diagnosis by a veterinarian. We also encourage our meat suppliers to work on a company-specific vaccination management, good barn hygiene and correct housing and ventilation.
Use of antibiotics in case of illness
- A veterinarian supervises the correct use of antibiotics, in accordance with the guidelines of the AMCRA (Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance in Animals vzw, the knowledge centre for antibiotic use and resistance in animals), which we have included in our specifications.
- Farmers working with us must register all use of antibiotics on an online platform. For poultry (laying hens and broilers), pigs and calves reared for veal this is mandatory via Sanitel-Med (FAMHP). For users of the Colruyt specifications (pigs) or of the Belplume (poultry), BePork (pigs), Belbeef (cattle) or IKM Flanders (dairy cattle) quality systems, the entry is made via the AB Register. The AB Register regularly issues reports to all breeders about how their use of antibiotics compares to that of their colleagues. This should raise the awareness of farmers and motivate them to use less antibiotics.
- The legislation stipulates that, after administration of antibiotics, a predetermined number of days (waiting period) must elapse before the animals can be slaughtered or products such as eggs can be sold. This prevents animal products from containing residues of antibiotics. Colruyt Group then performs additional checks to ensure that no significant residues of medicines remain in the meat.
