The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced this week that it will re-evaluate the safety of livestock medications because of concerns that antibiotic overuse on animals is creating drug-resistant pathogens that may harm consumers. An estimated 20 million pounds of antibiotics are given each year to pigs, chickens and cattle in the United States, creating fears in the health industry that "superbacteria" are being created that may infect people.

As part of the new regulations, the FDA will force makers of new livestock antibiotics to prove that their drugs will not create drug-resistant pathogens. The Administration also plans to re-analyze antibiotics currently on the market. Critics warn that because of the FDA decision, it will be "very difficult" for new medications to be approved. Furthermore, skeptics say that a reduction in antibiotic use may be more of a health hazard for consumers.