EAST Lancashire MP Gordon Prentice has welcomed Euro plans to ban the use of antibiotic growth promoters in animals because of fears they may put humans at greater risk of disease.
The Pendle Labour back bencher has long been concerned that the use of such drugs may lead to germs becoming resistant to life-saving antibiotics.
He has frequently urged the British government to act and now farming ministers have told him that the European Commission intends to withdraw them from use from the end of 2005.
The commissioners accept that as a result of eating meat fattened up with the growth promoters, some people are finding their antibiotics to combat disease no longer work.
The drugs are to be phased out.
Mr Prentice said: "I have long been concerned about the use of these growth promoters in livestock and poultry and the effect they may have on people.
"My main concern is that people eating food from animals which have been given the growth promoters may be at risk from bacteria.
"I welcome this move, and although I was assured that those in current use are safe.
"I think that -- taken into account the impact that antimicrobial resistance microbes can have on human health -- a complete withdrawal is the only sure and safe way forward."
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