Proposed changes to Food and Drug Regulations to address Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) related to veterinary drugs

Health Canada is proposing changes to the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) to address the problem of antimicrobial resistance related to veterinary drugs. Currently the FDR do not provide adequate controls to help mitigate the risks of AMR.

Canada is seeking comments on proposed changes to:
- restrict the importation of certain veterinary drugs;
- require manufacturers and importers to follow stricter rules with regards to the quality of the active ingredients used in the fabrication of antimicrobials;
- require manufacturers to provide sales information so that Health Canada can better monitor the use of antimicrobial drugs; and
- introduce an easier way to access low-risk veterinary health products.

Canada has also notified this measure to the TBT Committee (G/TBT/N/CAN/491).