Ethanol – a new front in the antibiotic battle

[Robbien]

Something’s brewing in the ethanol industry, and it isn’t just corn mash.

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) recently released a report titled Fueling Resistance? Antibiotics in Ethanol Production, that criticizes ethanol producers for what they claim is unnecessary use of antibiotics. Ethanol plants commonly use antimicrobials to prevent bacterial outbreaks that can interfere with the normal fermentation process.

“The epidemic of antibiotic resistance threatens every one of us,” says IATP representative David Wallinga, M.D. “The best way to keep our existing antibiotics effective is to stop unnecessary antibiotics wherever they are used—in hospitals, in animals and in ethanol production.”

The report from IATP suggests that antibiotic residues in distillers’ grains, widely used in livestock feed, could lead to a buildup of resistant pathogens.

Phibro Animal Health Corporation, which produces Lactrol, an antibiotic widely used in ethanol production, took exception to the report this week.

more . . .

http://www.drovers.com/news_editorial.asp?pgID=675&ed_id=5853


The article says not only are antibiotics in ethanol but also in grain distillers. A dash of antibiotics with your nightcap anyone?