“The central regulator issued a directive instructing state officials to strictly enforce the ban on the use, sale, import, and manufacture of drug formulations containing Chloramphenicol or Nitrofurans.”

Following the Health Ministrys recent ban on drug formulations containing Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) directed state regulators to maintain strict vigilance over their enforcement.

The ban, issued last month after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, prohibited the sale, manufacture, distribution, import, and use of these antibiotics in food-producing animals.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) instructed state drug authorities to monitor any activity involving these substances and ensure they are not used in animal-rearing systems. Officials were also told to sensitize inspectorate staff and take action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.

The ministry had noted in its notification that these drugs posed potential health risks despite the availability of safer alternatives. Chloramphenicol and Nitrofurans, though used to treat infections, have been associated with serious side effects such as diarrhea and bone marrow suppression.

(Source:https://pharma.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy-and-regulations/cdsco-directs-state-bodies-to-maintain-strict-vigilance-over-banned-antibiotics/119925532)