Bill > A01859

This bill proposes to restrict the non-therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in animals raised for food production, effectively banning the use of antibiotics for purposes such as growth promotion, weight gain, or disease prevention when no clinical signs of illness are present. The bill defines an "antimicrobial agent" as any drug or substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, and "non-therapeutic use" as the administration of such agents without a specific medical need. Under the proposed law, farmers and food producers would be prohibited from using antimicrobial agents in cattle, poultry, sheep, swine, and other food-producing animals without a diagnosed medical condition. Additionally, the bill would make it illegal to sell, display for sale, or transport food products derived from animals that have been subjected to non-therapeutic antimicrobial use. Violations of this proposed legislation would be considered a class A misdemeanor, and the commissioner of agriculture is tasked with developing specific rules and regulations to implement the law. The bill would take effect 180 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for developing necessary regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1859